The newly-formed Bermuda Taxi Association believes computerised dispatch, insurance changes and a stricter TCD can help improve efficiency and keep cabs working longer.

And the 100-strong group, recently formed out of the ashes of the Bermuda Taxi Operators Association, is putting the emphasis on PR with a philosophy that the customer is always right.

The group's president Michael Ray has distanced himself from BTA first vice President Lee Tucker's assertion in the Press that stranded late-night pub goers should leave earlier if they want a ride home.

Stressing there was no feud with Mr. Tucker, Mr. Ray, president of the 100-strong BTA, said Mr. Tucker was not speaking for the group.

BTA management team member said Kimmie Mello added: "You cannot expect locals or tourists to go home early because taxis are not available. It's ludicrous."

He said service was generally good late at night as some cabbies only worked those hours because business was heavier then. And he said Mr. Tucker's suggestion that pubs should pre-book cabs and pay them extra wouldn't work as the pub wouldn't necessarily know how many customers would be left at the end of the night.

The BTA is to write and apologise to an American visitor who recently complained in letters page about $25 for a ten-minute ride from Stonington Beach to The Reefs.

Mr. Mello said: "What they did is rip that person off."

The group is planning to run etiquette sessions to teach better customer relations and have also suggested an internal discipline committee, although the group does not have power to take licences.

Mr. Mello said: "When these type of instances take place we can go to Government and have these individuals put up before the disciplinary board.

"It isn't right for the individual or the drivers who try to do their best."

He said some of the part-time drivers were only after an extra buck and weren't putting their heart into the industry and making sure it was a success.

Mr. Ray added: "The customer is always right, that is the philosophy we want to drive home."

But he did note late night drivers had to deal with drunks being sick in their cabs.

The BTA is meeting with taxi facilitator Gary Philips next week to propose a computerised dispatching system which will memorise customer details and send text message directions to drivers' cell phones as well as issue voice instructions.

Radio Cabs boss Eddie Darrell is poised to buy the $60,000-plus equipment and split the cost with the BTA, said Mr. Ray.

Taxi drivers also want to sit down with Transport Minister Ewart Brown and his Ministry team and push the benefits of the system ? which is used in Miami and Hollywood ? over GPS which Dr. Brown has twice tried to force on the drivers.

The BTA is proposing the Transport Control Department use metre information to find out cabs which aren't on the road much and put pressure on owners to get busy or leave the industry.

Mr. Mello said many part-time drivers got their vehicle before retiring from a Government job and seldom used it other than driving to work.

He said such cabs could be seen parked in outside the hospital, prison yards, bus and fire stations and other Government buildings.

Better use of cabs could be gained from changing insurance structures said Mr. Ray who said owners were reluctant to lend a cab to a part-time driver for fear they would get lumbered with a massive bill if there was an accident.

The group is in talks with two insurance companies on changing policies on this said Mr. Ray.

And the BTA is also in talks for better group health benefits for drivers after many found themselves with only basic cover or no cover after being dumped by Canadian Life three years ago.

Other improvements suggested by the BTA include having information posted on airport arrival boards detailing how much business minibus companies would be taking.

This would stop dozens of cabs fruitlessly waiting there only to find most of the arrivals were getting on pre-booked transport.

Mr. Ray said he hoped a major recruitment drive in the next two months would see the BTA reach at least 400 members.

The group was formed to join both taxi owners and drivers in one organisation.