give them a raw deal, an Opposition senator has warned.

Sen. Terry Lister, Senate spokesman for Tourism, said the Island's cabbies once again had not enjoyed a prosperous summer.

Though there had been an increase in visitors, the upturn was largely due to cruise ship arrivals and group business, Sen. Lister said. And Government had provided a special East-West End ferry for the passengers off the new cruise ship, while public buses were used to transport convention groups this summer such as the State Farm people.

"It is often the case Government is interested in the cruise ship passengers' needs or looks at the tour operators, but won't necessarily take into account the needs of the taxi industry,'' he said.

Sen. Lister called on Government to: Offer fuel rebates to help reduce operating costs of taxi drivers.

Scrap the "almost nonsensical'' 16-hour requirement for cabbies to be on the road.

Sen. Lister said taxi drivers were forced to ride around for hours wasting fuel in the winter when they knew there was no hope of finding a passenger.

The ferry idea announced to cabbies in April came as a complete surprise, Sen.

Lister added. Taxi operators had not even been consulted, he charged.

Sen. Lister, an accountant, said the problems of the taxi industry were apparent to him in the reports he compiles for his taxi company clients.

"A rate increase is something we prefer to avoid,'' he said. "I don't believe they are making that noise yet,'' he said. "But before they do I'd rather see Government undertake to help them.'' They had just been through a poor summer and were now facing the winter season which was expected to be even less busy, he said.