Wheelchair-friendly taxis destined for Bermuda in the New Year would have made no difference to the quality and service of transport for the disabled in Bermuda. The claim was made by president of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, Willard Fox.

Mr. Fox was referring to the cancelled importation of some 40 wheelchair-friendly taxis to the Island.

"It's not about having taxis that can transport those in wheelchairs. I've been using taxis on this Island forever and have never had a problem. It's the service you get that's a problem," he said.

Mr. Fox added that it wasn't just the disabled that were fed up with bad service, but everyone he knew.

"Gone are the days when taxi drivers were more than just drivers of a car. Anyone can do that. It takes a special kind of person who takes pride in their vehicles and in how they are towards their passengers."

He said he had had enough of filthy cars or cars that were falling apart, shoddily clad drivers who complained about having to take him somewhere, or complained about the extra bit of time it took to help him with his wheelchair.

"Those special new taxis would not have made any difference because the same people would be driving them. What they need to change is the attitude of local drivers."

Meanwhile, Cab Direct, the Scottish company manufacturing the special Peugeot E7 taxis for Bermuda, was informed over the weekend that Lamjid Associated in Bermuda was no longer interested in buying the 40 wheelchair-friendly taxis.

Lamjid Associated spokesman, Dennis Hollis, blamed the strength of the pound, adding that it would cost about $50,000 to import one of the special taxis to Bermuda and none of the drivers on the Island could afford it.

Cab Directs' national operations manager, Bill Parris, yesterday described the current situation as "unfortunate".

"Once the dollar gains strength and the drivers are able to purchase the E7s we'll be happy to help with the order of further vehicles."

Mr. Parris added that he did not want to mislead anyone into thinking that the order for 40 taxis was being processed, only that things would remain on hold.

There is currently one Peugeot E7 taxi on the Island.

The taxis are equipped with the new easy-glide under-floor ramp which simply pulls out from under the passenger floor to allow easy access into the vehicle to wheelchairs.

The taxi also puts a stop to fare dodgers with locking devices on all doors and a safety mesh between driver and passengers for added safety.