A total of 70 taxi owner/operators have signed up for Government?s offer of 50 percent off the price of global positioning systems.

And Co-op Taxis Transport Service, the company bringing in GPS next month, are hoping Government will cut duty to further reduce costs for drivers.

The systems will cost $2,247 to buy and install in cabs but electronic goods also attract 40 percent duty.

Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Mark Telemaque said a decision on amending relief would hinge on the level of interest but he said Transport Minister Ewart Brown had been encouraged by the take-up so far.

There are 600 cabs on Bermuda?s roads.

Dr. Brown is also considering whether to extend the deadline on Government?s offer to pick up 50 percent of the costs for those who want to fit GPS after the offer expired at the end of January.

?The Minister is considering extending it to March 31,? said Mr. Telemaque.

Co-op Taxis Transport Service president Alaine Mouchette said she had hoped for more interest in the system which could be up and running by March.

It would cost drivers about $135 a month in dues to the dispatcher. Currently most cab drivers pay dues of just under $100 for radio dispatching.

She said most of the drivers who had applied for 50 percent relief for installing GPS were already aligned with Co-op Taxis while the rest had come on board because it was the only company actively pushing ahead with the technology.

Government has twice failed to bring in legislation mandating GPS in cabs after claiming the system will improve efficiency and reduce waiting times.

So far four different GPS systems have been approved by Government but only Co-op have made significant headway said Transport Control Department director Charles Clarke.

He said other owner operators wanted to sign up to GPS but were reluctant until they had a fixed price.

The news comes as Bermuda Taxi Association executive approved a rival computerised dispatching system on Monday night which they hope will get Government approval.

Spokesman Lee Tucker was reluctant to give many details but he said it would be cheaper to install than GPS although monthly fees could be increased by 35-40 percent because of the costs of using satellite technology.

He hoped the system will be accepted by Government and avoid confrontation and strikes which sprang from Government?s last attempt to mandate GPS.

He said: ?We hope it will resolve the situation ? if not we are back to square one. We don?t want any disruption as the season looks like it will be a good one with the mega ships coming.

?If Government doesn?t play fair we will have to do what we have to do.?

Mr. Telemaque said he did not want to prejudge the issue and said Government would look at what was being proposed.

Bermuda Taxi Association spokesman Lee Tucker has hit out at pub owners who claimed poor late night taxi service was encouraging people to drink and drive.

Mr. Tucker said it was the responsibility of individuals to decide what time they left night spots and while there were fewer cabs at 3 and 4 a.m. they were still drivers working although people might have to wait longer.

The criticism had been voiced by Front Street pub owners in last week?s Bermuda Sun.

Mr. Tucker said: ?We want to make it clear we should not be scapegoated for people driving while impaired.?

He said club owners should think about pre-ordering cabs for clients if they were that concerned.

Mr. Tucker also scoffed at comments made by Phil Barnett, boss of the Hogpenny, Pickled Onion and Barracuda Grill which said that it cost $40 to reach Somerset by late night cab.

Mr. Tucker said if people could afford to drink they could afford the cab home.

?What?s more important? Safely getting home or additional drinks??

And the boss of the Island?s biggest taxi firm, Eddie Darrell of Radio Cabs, said while there were isolated instances of shortages such as Super Bowl night, drivers were out in force on weekend nights.

?That?s the only time they can make any money.?