Taxi drivers converged on the steps of last night to reiterate their displeasure with Government?s plans to introduce limousine service and said they plan to hold a rally at the House of Assembly in the coming weeks.

A meeting was held last night for taxi drivers and Michael Ray, president of the Bermuda Taxi Association, said the BTA was against any legislation that would introduce limousine or minibus services to the Island and called for the formation of a Taxi Commission.

Mr. Ray, who was surrounded by approximately 70 taxi drivers, said they were concerned that the introduction of new limousines would add congestion and take away the livelihoods of some taxi drivers.Transport Minister Ewart Brown said the thrust of the legislation was never about adding additional vehicles.

?Rather, this legislation offers existing taxi owners, some of whom are reportedly operating illegally as limousines (off the meter) the opportunity to operate as limousines,? he said. ?Quite a few existing taxi owners have indicated a strong interest and our plan is to give them the opportunity to succeed.?

Mr. Ray said the Minister?s comments indicated the need for a taxi commission to be created to allow Government and taxi drivers to sit down and address issues and plans together. He added that taxi drivers deserve more than four months to prove that new Global Positioning Systems devices are dealing with issues in the industry. He pointed out that the taxi industry already underwent major changes with the implementation of the controversial GPS and lambasted Government for extending the deadline until August. Approximately half of the Island?s taxis are currently fitted with the technology. When informed that Dr. Brown said as late as Monday that only 143 taxis out of 300 plus had the GPS technology, taxi drivers complained that a number of them were on tours. One gentleman said: ?That?s what the Government gets for introducing legislation with no teeth and extending the deadline.? Mr. Ray said that taxi drivers are concerned with anything that will negatively impact their industry because they are already operating in difficult circumstances. Taxi drivers pointed to the fact that gasoline prices have risen approximately 21 percent since fares increased in 2004 and said that it costs approximately $32,000 to operate a taxi every year, according to data from Government Statistics.

On Monday Dr. Brown said limousine services were needed to ensure Bermuda?s product matches it sales pitch.

?We cannot tell the world that we offer great restaurants and have only sandwiches on our menus,? he said. ?Similarly we should not deny our visitors and Bermudians the choice of luxury transportation.? Dr. Brown was off the Island yesterday and unable to be contacted. Mr. Ray confirmed that the taxi association were planning to rally at the House of Assembly.