Taxi drivers are getting their fare increases and shared rides while the offer from Government to help pay to install computerised dispatch remains on the table for the next six months.

However Transport Minister Ewart Brown still has not ruled out controversial computerised dispatch/GPS legislation. Dr. Brown has the option to bring such legislation forward again in 12 months.

Passed in the House of Assembly but defeated twice by the Senate, if the Senate defeats it a third time Dr. Brown need only take it straight to the Governor to be signed into law.

Dr. Brown announced the fare increases and shared rides at a press conference with Bermuda Taxi Owners Association (BTOA) representatives George Trott and Kimmie Mello. Both fare increases and shared rides were attached to the defeated GPS bill.

"In what I hope will mark a positive change in the nature of the relationship between the taxi industry and the people's elected representatives I am pleased to announce today that I signed on Wednesday the regulations required to increase taxi fares by 20 percent and to introduce shared rides to and from Bermuda International Airport," Dr. Brown said. "Both these will be effective as of September 1."

The regulations were gazetted in Friday's Bermuda Sun for the public's review. "Not all taxi meters will have been adjusted by September 1," the Minister said.

"The Transport Control Department has prepared conversion cards to assist drivers and passengers in the calculation of the new fares.

"I encourage drivers to have their meters adjusted as soon as possible to prevent any kind of confusion for the travelling public."

Regarding the ongoing dispute between taxi owners and Government on GPS legislation, Dr. Brown said Government has agreed to enlist the services of former Tourism director Gary Phillips, hired by the taxi owners to act as a facilitator.

"We will shortly meet and map out the necessary discussions that much now take place as we move this industry forward.

"This Government has always maintained that this process ... had to include the introduction of a technological component; that has not changed."

Government's confidence in this technology is well-founded, "not some passing whim", he added. "In 12 months that legislation can be revived."

In the meantime, Government's offer to pay 50 percent (or $1,000, whichever is lower) of the cost to install computerised dispatch in the first 300 taxis to sign up, and 25 percent (or $500, whichever is lower) for the second 300, remains on the table for six months from September 1.

"With at least two despatching companies having moved already to the implementation of this technology I am hopeful that taxi owners will take advantage of this offer ? This is a wave which can overcome us, or we can ride it."

If Government does not get a good response, Dr. Brown added, it will be "back to the drawing board".

"We were never against GPS, we were against GPS," Mr. Mello said. "Anyone wanting to go along with this they are free to do so."

However he did not feel there would be a heavy interest in the offer from taxi drivers, with most waiting to see if others profit from computerised despatch.

"As 'the Doc' said, we're trying to defuse (this antagonistic situation) ? so let's go forward," added Mr. Trott.