Government last night was preparing to respond to Bermuda Taxi Owners Association lawyer Richard Hector, a move which could open the door to mediation in the simmering week-long dispute.

The Transport Ministry said that it is ?actively considering the matters set out in (Mr. Hector?s) letter and is expecting to be in a position to reply first thing (this) morning.?

Government?s announcement comes as taxi drivers voted unanimously on Monday night to launch mediation talks over the contentious issue of global positioning systems in their taxis.

Cabbies kept up their protests, now in their second week, at the Airport?s arrival area yesterday to emphasise their solidarity against Government.

BTOA spokesperson Lee Tucker told yesterday that Mr. Hector, the association?s lawyer, was looking for an independent mediator to handle the dispute.

During a protest outside the House of Assembly on Friday, Premier Alex Scott told drivers that he was willing to consider mediation.

MPs are expected to debate the legislation in the House of Assembly on Friday, but Government could opt to postpone that if a mediation process begins.

Over 400 cabbies attended the meeting on Monday at Warwick Workmen?s Club.

Mr. Tucker said the tone of the meeting was amicable with drivers intent on working with Government towards a solution.

Bermuda Public Services Union president Ed Ball urged both parties to work towards mediation.

?All parties agree that there has to be an improvement in taxi service as this is the height of tourist season, which is a revenue making period for the whole of Bermuda?s financial infrastructure,? said Mr. Ball.

Mr. Tucker said drivers are anxious ?to get back out there and serve the public? but will not back down from their request that Government make the system optional so drivers who are hesitant about investing in the system can see how it works to improve service.