The Bermuda Central Dispatch Corporation (BCDC) is aiming to offer computerised dispatching for the taxi industry within the next 12 weeks.

Financing and logistics are being worked on, said company president Gladwyn Bean. He said the company was seeking funding for the its first year in operation and had about 150 taxis lined up as subscribers.

"We have investors chomping at the bit," he told The Royal Gazette. "Most business people can see the advantages."

The company is holding 10,000 of its 12,000 shares for taxi drivers, while another 2,000 are being reserved for dispatchers and private investors.

Mr. Bean said the interest among taxi drivers had been "less than impressive".

"But we don't have a problem with that," he added. "We know we have to prove ourselves in the market."

Things took an adverse turn for BCDC, which has been poised to be the first to market with computerised dispatching, when the Senate rejected a bill which would have forced the industry to adopt the technology.

The bill, which has a grace period of 18 months before its provisions can be enforced, can not be taken up again until next year. If it is taken up again and passed by the House, it will be automatically be approved by the Senate.

Last week's Senate decision effectively means that industry players could have up to another two and a half years to be free to choose computerised dispatching if they want it.

But current law, which requires all taxis to install two way radios, will be rigorously enforced in the interim.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown has vowed not to give up his plans to computerise the industry, saying that service levels and driver safety will be improved.

BCDC will be purchasing its system from Advanced Tech Solutions, a local company headed by George Scott.

The system will not include the satellite based tracking software, known as GPS, which allows the dissatellite based tracking software, known as GPS, which allows the dispatcher to know the exact location of each car.

GPS enables the computers to assign jobs to the nearest car and was the centrepiece of Dr. Brown's proposals but it was strongly resisted by taxi industry representatives.

The system to be used by BCDC will assign jobs to the first taxi in the zone required.

The Senate decision also gives existing dispatchers, the largest of which is Radio Cabs, time to revamp their operations for the computerised marketplace.

It remains to be seen whether large numbers of taxi drivers will voluntarily flock to computerisation as well as having to carry two way radios.

BCDC is certain that won't happen and has trimmed its business plan as a result. Start up staffing levels had been projected at six operators, a supervisor and a manager. Now the company is looking to hire just three operators, a supervisor and a manager.

"Obviously we are going to be in a competitive situation and one in which we have to ramp up slowly," he said.

Mr. Bean said that BCDC's initial focus will be on local residents and the corporate community and avoid the high volume tourist market.

With the "nucleus of drivers", the company has now, he said, they can provide a decent service

"When it comes down to it, they (locals) are the people we are going to serve year round."