The Bermuda Taxi Association is to provide a detailed presentation of its newly-proposed computer dispatch system to the Transport Control Department in the coming days, has learned.

It will be some time, however, before taxi drivers raise the money to pay for the venture.

The BTA unveiled the Dispatcher-X technology last week, claiming it was capable of revolutionising the efficiency of the service while giving drivers the flexibility of work not provided under Government?s controversial GPS plans.

The protracted stand-off between taxi drivers and Government on the issue of GPS since 2001 is well-documented, with BTA president Michael Ray now arguing that they have come up with a solution which would suit both sides.

Created by Australian company Raywood Communications, Dispatcher-X runs from a central computer and divides the area to be covered into a number of zones ? allocating jobs phoned in by determining which taxi is closest and which taxi has been in that particular zone the longest.

The difference between GPS and the zoning system, is that drivers must first log into the system using their own onboard computers before their positions can be established.

?Dispatcher-X gives us the flexibility we require as private owners in that we can log into the system and make our own decisions about where we go,? Mr. Ray said last week.

The cost of installation would be between $2,000 and $2,500 per taxi, with Mr. Ray revealing private taxi owners would attempt to raise the money themselves.

TCD Director Randy Brangman confirmed yesterday that he had seen the new system, but added he would be unable to make a definitive judgement as to whether to allow its use until he had examined the plans in more detail.

?From what I saw it looked pretty good,? he said.

?I am now waiting for more detailed documentation from the BTA outlining the system?s exact specifications et cetera, from which I should be able to make a decision. I have to be sure the system complies with the Motor Tax Regulations which are the written guidelines for all taxi dispatch services.?

Transport Minister Ewart Brown is currently off the Island and was unavailable for comment.

Speaking last week, however, Dr. Brown refused to concede that the advent of the new dispatch system spelled the end for Government?s GPS initiative.