feel they could be in danger, Taxi Federation leaders said yesterday.

The move will be explored at a meeting of taxi drivers, Police and transport chiefs on Monday in the wake of a series of attacks on drivers.

Recently one driver had his throat slashed and several have been attacked or robbed after picking up fares.

Yesterday Joe Brown, secretary of the Bermuda Taxi Federation announced a mass meeting of taxi owners and drivers on Monday at 6.30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce boardroom, on Front Street.

"It is expected that representatives from the Transport Control Department, as well as the Police, will be on hand to address various concerns such as our right not to pick up certain individuals or not travelling certain areas of the community. Topics that will be addressed,'' said Mr. Brown.

He thanked both the Police and the public for their efforts in tracking down alleged attackers and said taxi drivers would continue to soldier on.

"We want the drivers to know that every effort is being made by the Federation, in consultation with Government, the Police and the Director of Transport to enhance safety,'' added Mr. Brown.

He cautioned against acting first against any person based purely on suspicion and added: "It is better not to pick up a passenger than fear for one's safety afterwards.

"Maybe in adversity there is unity and we ask all drivers, those that belong and those that do not belong to the Federation, to come to this meeting.

"For once there is something happening within our industry that affects us all and all of us, for once, must decide what is best for us,'' said Mr.

Brown.

Meanwhile the Federation said it will boycott a new Commission set up to investigate the state of the industry.

And it is threatening to take industrial action unless new legislation outlining fare increases is presented to Parliament by November.

"It is our belief that any new Commission can only do what two others have already done, make recommendations to Government,'' said Mr. Brown.

"If Government has not acted on the many reports of the past, we have no faith it will act on another report.'' Earlier this year Government withdrew legislation outlining fare increases after pressure from the Federation which objected the abolition of a late-night surcharge.

As a result Transport Minister Wayne Furbert established a new Commission, under the chairmanship of former Premier Sir John Sharpe, with a brief to explore ways of increasing taxi drivers' income.

However the Federation was infuriated because it was not asked to sit on the Commission and was told it could make written or oral contributions.

Yesterday Mr. Brown said Sir John chaired a Board in 1980 to examine the taxi industry and in the 16 years since cabbies had won just one fare increase.

Now the Federation is demanding a list of improvements to be included in legislation in November including: an immediate 25 percent rate increase, increases in tour rates and getting rid of bus tokens from the Airport and cruise ships.

Mr. Brown added: "Whenever Government negotiates increases all of Bermuda helps to pay for those wage hikes and every Government employee receives an annual increase.

"Yet a fare increase for the taxi driver will be funded exclusively on demand. Not one cent will come from Government.'' He added that the Federation already had a mandate for industrial action which could be re-enacted if its demands are not met.

"During our meetings we have found that the vast majority of owners and drivers are fed up with promises and even more with those that are broken.

"Yet today we are being attacked, robbed, beaten and threatened while driving in fear.'' Last night Mr. Furbert said previous reports did not deal with issues relating to a driver's income which the new Commission would.

He said the Commission was doing everything it could to speed up its consultations and that he expected its report before the end of the year.

"As soon as the report is finished I will bring it to the House of Assembly at once.

"I am disappointed that the Federation will not participate and I hope before the Commission reports the Federation will re-think its position.''