Finance Minister Paula Cox said taxi drivers hit hard by high gas prices can expect no immediate relief. Ms Cox said she has not yet received an appeal from the Bermuda Taxi Association. But she said she would always invite those requesting relief to make a submission to the Ministry of Finance for her consideration.

While the Minister did not indicate that any immediate steps would be taken to respond to a request for relief the Minister said she may consider looking at Budget proposals to assist the taxi industry.

Michael Ray, president of the Bermuda Taxi Association said desperate taxi drivers are hoping the Government will consider selling gas at a reduced price to cover high operating costs and enable them to continue serving tourists and locals.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown said he is concerned about fuel costs facing taxi drivers and the costs of introducing the GPS system.

?I am concerned about the costs facing taxi drivers,? Dr. Brown explained. ?I firmly believe that one impact of the GPS-based dispatching will be reduced consumption of fuel.?

?The fact that the work finds the vehicle should remove the need to drive around looking for work. We will look at fuel costs after the system has been in place for six months or so.?

When asked if introducing GPS will place a further burden on hard pressed taxi drivers Dr. Brown responded: ?The government has already committed to pay 50 percent of the GPS installation cost for some owners and 25 percent for others.?

?This offer was made to every taxi owner in Bermuda, but not everyone accepted the offer.?