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Airport limo operators gear up for battle with rival

Furious airport limousine service operators could be considering legal action over a newcomer to the market operated by a shareholder in an existing business.

Directors of Bermuda Hosts Ltd -- which provides a luxury limo service between the Airport and hotels -- have refused to confirm or deny whether they would lodge a writ against a firm set up by Stephen Martin of Bermuda Small Properties Ltd.

Mr. Martin -- who holds shares in Bermuda Hosts -- did not return calls from The Royal Gazette .

Two existing operators -- Bermuda Hosts and Bee Line -- met Transport Minister Erwin Adderley for the second time yesterday over the issue.

Mr. Adderley said the licence applied for in January and granted in May by the Public Service Vehicle Licence Board -- thought to be for a 175 seat capacity -- was in line with current laws.

He added: "Although there are two companies in existence with, I think, a 175 seat capacity, only one company was in fact doing any sort of business.'' He said that Bee Line was currently operating its limo service with a capacity of "22 or 24 seats.'' Bermuda Hosts Ltd is run by members of ex-Transport Minister Wayne Furbert's family, who was in the post when the original application was made.

Mr. Adderley added: "The Board felt the public was not being being adequately looked after.

"Some people may not have liked it, but it was done in accordance with the law.'' Mr. Adderley added: "When the meeting finished, not everybody was totally satisfied -- but some of them had a personal problem which spilt over into the validity of the licence.'' He added he had heard reports claiming imminent legal action by Bermuda Hosts bosses and asked representatives about that at the meeting.

But Mr. Adderley said: "They chose not to reply to that question.'' And he added -- as far as the Ministry was concerned -- the matter was closed.

Mr. Adderley was unable to say whether Mr. Martin had an interest in Bermuda Hosts -- but he confirmed he was a "significant customer'' of the firm.