Jonathan Dill thought it was good if GPS was really going to make the taxi service more efficient.

“It should not be optional and it would be good for using debit cards,” he said, “I don't carry cash. If they say that they can pick me up in 15 minutes, than I would say it is a good idea.”

Colin Bourne said his friends within the industry were against GPS

“Well, all my taxi driver and owner friends don't like it and don't want it,” he said.

Sherrita Nusum said: “The last time that I called a taxi to go to the airport, it didn't come. It's just hard to get a cab, especially if it is raining.”

Graham Maule said there were two sides to every argument, but he felt that GPS had become a political issue.

He said: “The vast majority of taxi drivers and owners that are complaining oppose it because they feel they are being forced to accept it.

“But on the other hand it could have saved the life of Rebecca Middleton, who waited for hours in St. George's for a taxi, before she was murdered.”

Mark Jennings thought GPS was worthwhile and a good system.

“It helps to keep things going and it will help to get cabs where they are needed,” he said.

Taxi driver Troy Burgess said he did not know whether GPS was a good thing or not.

But he said it would be a good idea in cases

“When I call in for a job and they (radio operator) give it to me, than I get there and someone else has taken my party.

“But on the other hand, to me it is really not necessary from a taxi driver point of view.”

Calvin Harris, who has been driving a cab for about 35 years, said he did not have a problem with GPS.

“I don't know what it's all about,” he said, “I need to know that it will work if I go to another company.

“The Minister is trying to do a lot of things for us, but it just boils down to choice. I think that what drivers want is a choice and a reason why we need it. That's the bottom line.”

Another cab driver, David Whitecross, said the taxi system needed to be upgraded, but he felt that GPS should be optional not mandatory.

Mr. Whitecross said that when cellular phones were introduced many drivers did not want them either, but now they can not do without them for personal clientele.

“The way that it was introduced... it was just the way they went about it,” he said.

Gary Weller said GPS would make the taxi industry more efficient and taxi drivers realise that they will be more efficient with GPS.

But he thought they should have shared ownership of GPS.

“GPS will be successful if the ownership is put in the hands of the taxi drivers and owners,” said Mr. Weller.

“The problem really is that they don't oppose GPS, they really oppose the fact that Government is forcing it on them.

“It is going to be more costly for them and it will increase their monthly costs.”

Taxi owner Robert Trew said GPS will not improve the taxi service in any way.

“Those folks who implemented it have not been able to show us or prove to us how it is going to improve service or put an extra nickel in our pockets ,” he said.

“It is definitely going to increase our overheads by an enormous amount and as a result, as an owner/driver I see no sense an in having my overheads increased and not making an extra nickel out of it.

“But at the same time this new system is going to fill the pockets of a set few.

Troy Brangman thought GPS was a good idea not only for driver safety, but also to evenly spread taxis across the Island.

“I've been for it from the beginning,” he said, “It will make the service more efficient.”