Plans for a computerised dispatch service for all taxis will go before Cabinet later this month, in spite of strong opposition from many drivers, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown confirmed yesterday.

Dr. Brown told the House of Assembly that the lack of taxis even in low season was unacceptable, and that he is seeking Cabinet approval this month for the central computerised dispatch system.

If approved, all the Island's 600 taxis will be forced to install a screen which accepts text messages and will carry a global positioning satellite to inform the central dispatcher of their location.

A new company, the Bermuda Central Dispatch Corporation, has been formed by a group of taxi owners to run the centralised operation. It is not clear yet whether the drivers will pay for the equipment.

Transport Control Department director Kevin Monkman told The Royal Gazette it was hoped the units will be fitted in the cabs early in the New Year so that drivers will be fully trained in the system by the beginning of the next tourist season.

Earlier this week, Bermuda Hotel Association complained of the difficulty its members had getting taxis, even though there are hardly any tourists on the Island.

The BHA said the situation was so bad, some hotels had been forced to drive guests around the Island.

Dr. Brown told MPs yesterday it was Government policy not to allow hotels to run shuttle buses, but he warned drivers that this may change if it is in the Island's best interest.

"Over the past month, the Ministry of Transport has been inundated with complaints about taxi availability and the fact that it appears matters are getting worse, not better," he said.

"The complaints are plentiful and revolve around an apparent lack of communication between dispatching companies and taxi operators.

"This, in conjunction with suspected reduced hours of operation, has resulted in a critical lack of available taxis. With fewer visitors arriving at this time of year, there is no justifiable reason why there should be a lack of available taxis anywhere.

"Historically, the Bermuda government has has left the provision of taxi service to the private sector, with only peripheral government intervention and it is our intent to maintain that policy.

"However, we do believe that a responsible government has a duty to ensure that those vehicles which have public service vehicle permits provide the necessary level of service. We must ensure that the service is timely, courteous, and meets the needs of the entire community."He said he was concerned about "internal conflicts" in the industry resulting in the public being unable to call for taxis from some companies.

Government had given payroll relief to help taxis because they serve the public.

"However, this is a two way street. The taxi industry must now demonstrate that it is willing to serve the travelling public," said Dr. Brown.