The chairman of a special commission that will look into all aspects of the taxi industry has extended an olive branch to cab drivers who threatened to refuse to take part in it.

Former Premier Sir John Sharpe has asked the Bermuda Taxi Federation members Joe Brown and Wendell Tucker to discuss their concerns with him "off the record.'' Sir John was responding to a story in The Royal Gazette on Wednesday.

In the article, taxi drivers threatened to boycott a new body established to examine the needs of their industry.

Members of the Transport Control Department, the Public Transportation Board, the Ministries of Finance, Tourism and Marine Services will assist the Commission.

It will examine issues including the cost of operating a taxi, the size of taxis, the rate of duty on parts and fuel rebates.

In addition it will look at taxi fare increases, zone fares, shared ride taxis, the viability of taxis operating as mini-buses during restricted hours and how and when future fare increases should be addressed.

Those involved in the taxi industry will be invited to make written or oral submissions to the Commission.

Joe Brown, Bermuda Taxi Federation secretary, has said drivers wanted round-the-table negotiations with Government.

But Sir John moved to clarify the role of the three member Special Commission that Transport Minister Wayne Furbert appointed to explore issues surrounding the taxi industry earlier this week.

Sir John said: "I note that the Bermuda Taxi Federation apparently expected or wanted a negotiation directly between themselves and Government.

"I suspect the Minister concluded that (since) his Ministry and the taxi owners (were) not able to reach an agreement, perhaps a fresh look by three persons not involved with either side might be helpful.

"Certainly our Commission will not be negotiating,'' he continued. "I see our task as impartially considering the needs of taxi owners and of the public.

"Having done so, we will make non-binding recommendations which would be fair to both these elements and which might at best be acceptable to all concerned or at worst provide a useful framework on which the parties can build.'' "I don't know how important a player the Bermuda Taxi Federation is in the industry. But there would, in my view, be no point in beginning this demanding exercise without the willing participation of the taxi owners.

"So we will stand by for the moment, and meantime if Mr. Joe Brown and or Mr.

Wendell Tucker wishes to discuss the matter with me off the record I will be available.''