Irate taxi drivers will not strike but they will take "selective industrial action'', it was revealed late last night.

Tight-lipped taxi spokesperson Joe Brown last night told The Royal Gazette : "I can't say what it (selective industrial action) means, but imagine if you were a taxi driver.

"There are a number of things taxi drivers could do,'' he hinted.

"A number of things have been discussed. I've been muzzled by the membership about going to the Press and giving information out before the actions start.'' Mr. Brown, who was speaking two-hours into a marathon meeting, added that the drivers would not start their `selective actions' today.

Although the meeting was still ongoing, Mr. Brown added that all of the driver's plans hinged on what the Transportation Minister had to say.

Earlier Mr. Brown had warned that a strike vote was on the driver's agenda.

"The drivers have discussed things three times in the last three months,'' he said. "It's time to make a decision.'' Transportation Minister Wayne Furbert last night told The Royal Gazette that he hoped the taxi drivers would not take any action.

Mr. Furbert, fresh from an overseas aircraft convention where he attempted to drummed up Bermuda's aircraft registration business, was speaking before the drivers rendered their decision.

"Tomorrow I hope to receive the Commissioner's report (on the taxi industry) and if all goes well I hope to lay the report and its recommendations in the House next week Friday.'' "This will give us sufficient time to have the report debated and passed this session,'' Mr. Furbert pointed out. "If there were to be any increases, they could take effect January which has always been our time scale.'' The Commission, chaired by former Premier Sir John Sharpe, was aided by the Transport Control Department, the Public Transportation Board, the Ministries of Finance, Tourism and Marine Services.

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

In addition it will also 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.

Earlier this year Government withdrew legislation increasing taxi fares after widespread opposition from drivers who threatened strike action.