the new taxi division of the Bermuda Industrial Union will be able to coexist and even work together.

"I think we are going to surprise everyone and coexist,'' said BTOA spokesperson Mike Glasgow.

But so far the two side have yet to sit down together and have a discussion.

Mr. Glasgow explained that the BIU had approached the association about the meeting a fortnight ago -- but said that his organisation had its own meeting scheduled for the same night.

Mr. Glasgow added: "He said he didn't want us to think that they were trying to break us up.'' The taxi division of the BIU held the meeting to work on getting the new division up and running.

BIU president Derrick Burgess echoed Mr. Glasgow's sentiments that there was no competition between the two organisations.

"We are not against our members joining the BIU,'' Mr. Glasgow explained.

"One or two of our members have attended their meetings. If the next meeting does not conflict with ours, then we will attend.'' The BTOA works behind the scenes with the Corporation of Hamilton and the Government to iron out a number of issues like parking and taxi security.

And Mr. Glasgow pointed out that the association was different from the now defunct Bermuda Taxi Federation.

"The owners have a higher stake in this than the drivers,'' he said. "The drivers are just worried about making money. We are concerned about the entire industry from a series of stances.'' The executive of BTOA will meet again on Thursday and will hold their annual general meeting in March.

TRANSPORTATION TRA