TALKS between taxi drivers' representatives and the Government over controversial plans to force drivers to install hi-tech equipment ended in stalemate this week.

Government has tabled legislation to force the use of a global positioning satellite (GPS) system for all taxi operators.

While Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown believes the system will help provide a better taxi service for Bermuda, most cabbies disagree and last Friday staged their latest protest, a strike and go-slow that disrupted tourists and traffic.

On Monday, drivers' representatives met with Acting Transport Minister Dennis Lister, but Bermuda Taxi Owners Association spokesman Lee Tucker was less than happy with the outcome.

"The talks did not achieve much although I wouldn't say they were a waste of time," said Mr. Tucker.

"I still don't know why the Government won't accept the case for an optional clause. Hopefully, there will be further talks, but nothing has been planned at this stage."

The BTOA wants to make the installation of GPS systems - which will cost each driver between $1,500 and $2,000 to install - optional.

"We are trying to say that if we must have GPS, let's try it on trial basis for six months and see if it's any advantage to us. Or let those drivers who can afford it and want it put it in.

"But it's unfair in what's supposed to be a free market economy to be dictated to in this fashion. We are being told: 'Do it or else'. It's unreal.

"This is the mentality of 1843. I thought those days were gone."