Taxi owners are pushing for an increase in rates which have been the same for seven years.

?The rate has not been changed since 1997 and due to the increase with the cost of living we are asking for a rate increase,? Taxi Owners Association spokesman Lee Tucker said yesterday.

?A proposal was put to Government but they have not responded yet. Taxi operators are very concerned.?

A meeting will be held tomorrow at Warwick Workmen?s Club at 7 p.m. to discuss the rate increase and the taxi business.

Bermuda Public Vehicle Licensing Board chairwoman Toni Bridgewater, Transport Control Department (TCD) Director Kevin Monkman and manager of administration and registration, Charles Clarke will be at the meeting.

?I understand the Minister has some ideas but he has not revealed them yet,? Mr. Tucker said.

An inquiry into the taxi business will also be on the meeting?s agenda.

?There have been a lot of robberies of taxi drivers so we will discuss what can be done to offset this,? he added.