Despite continued opposition from parts of the industry, a law requiring all taxis to use modern communication equipment is forging ahead.

Yesterday Minister of Transport Ewart Brown said all taxis must be equipped with two-way radios, a device for text-messaging with the dispatcher, a global positioning system (GPS) to monitor taxi locations and a panic button under upcoming legislation which will be tabled soon.

Dr. Brown said all dispatching companies and taxis would be given one year to put the required equipment in place.

Bermuda's taxis are already equipped with two-way radios but sections of the taxi industry have been loudly protesting being forced to use the additional equipment, expected to cost roughly $2,000 per cab.

"These are the only changes we propose for the taxi industry," Dr. Brown said.

"The technology used to dispatch taxis today has advanced to a level that allows huge improvements over the old radio dispatching system and we have to keep up with the times.

"I remind my colleagues that permits are issued to taxis as public service vehicles, meaning taxis owners and operators have a responsibility to serve the public.

"Unfortunately, in past years the taxi industry has been allowed to operate unmanaged, often resulting in deterioration in service delivered to the public. The reality is that we would prefer the taxi industry to be self-regulated and self-managed.

"Failing that however, we have an obligation to manage and we will not shirk that obligation."

Dr. Brown said the latest Omnibus Survey indicated 70 percent of the public strongly support the proposals which will be enshrined in the new law.

"This modernisation is required to ensure that individual or groups of taxis can respond to call in a timely manner," he said.

"My goal is to provide the public with a taxi within 15 minutes of their call. In addition we will once again take steps to ensure that each taxi is registered with the dispatching service of their choice."

Dr. Brown said the provision of one year to add the new technology means "competition will still exist for those interested in remaining in or entering the taxi dispatching profession".