Taxi drivers could be off the roads for an indefinite period spokesperson for the Bermuda Taxi Operators Association Lee Tucker, said yesterday.

Mr. Tucker said drivers will meet on Monday evening at Warwick Workmen's Club to decide whether to enter into talks with Government.

Since Tuesday, the Public Transportation Board has stepped up the bus schedule to accommodate visitors essential transportation needs. Taxi drivers are protesting mandatory GPS legislation refuting Government's claims that it will improve service and security.

Responding to the Premier's claims that GPS could be installed for free, Mr. Tucker said that was the first taxi drivers had heard of such an offer. He told The Royal Gazette that Government - in a written proposal - had offered to install the equipment for free if drivers did not see a profit after the first year.

"It was never formally presented to us, it was just suggested," he said. "This kind of statement is misleading to the members of the public because it makes it look like this is the first time such a proposal has been made."

He said taxi drivers were not interested in free GPS installation.

Meanwhile. other organisations have asked taxi drivers to go back to work for the sake of the tourism industry. The Bermuda Hotel Association is also calling on Government to meet with the drivers to discuss the issues through mediation or arbitration. Currently Tourism Minister Renee Webb has said the Island is filled to capacity with visitors from the

Bermuda Hotel Association CEO, Mr. John Harvey also suggested Government and the taxi operators sit down and the negotiating table.

"The current taxi dispute requires that both parties immediately meet in a calm and productive environment, which will hopefully result in a resolution or agreement on how the outstanding issues will be resolved," he said.