Taxi fares are set to go up 20 percent by July 1, a Transport Ministry spokesman confirmed yesterday.

And cabbies will get a further five percent rise next year. They last had a rise in 1997.

Originally, Government had said the figure recommended by a review committee of Government and industry figures would have to be tied to increased performance but on Sunday night that link was withdrawn.

Taxi drivers met with Premier Alex Scott on Monday and approved the plan at a meeting at Warwick Workmen's Club later that night with a massive vote in favour.

Bermuda Taxi Owners Association Gordon Flood said: "I think it's wonderful."

A Transport Ministry spokesman confirmed the hike would come into affect on or before July 1.