A United Bermuda Party (UBP) government would establish a Taxi Commission - a regulatory body which would address all issues facing the industry, the party said yesterday.

At a Press conference at Albuoys Point, party chairman Wayne Furbert, spokesman Jamahl Simmons and deputy leader Erwin Adderley said that it opposed the "much derided" GPS system but it would support a shared ride system.

The Commission will work with all stakeholders to make recommendations and monitor dispatch services, said Mr. Adderley.

"We are of the opinion that what is necessary is for the Commission to have the responsibility of reviewing the dispatch operations as well as make recommendations with regard to the fare structure and the surchages," he said.

"We will work with this Commission to establish a shared ride system and also look at other means of improving customer relationship and customer service. The Commission will also have the role of reviewing the role of the minibus as well as the ferries in a coordinated transportation service."

He said that the UBP was concerned that there are over 3,000 taxi drivers on the Island but no one body to regulate the industry.

And he said while the party agreed that taxi drivers need to be held responsible and accountable. "However what is of great concern to us is we seem to have a government that is acting in an arrogant fashion and has an inability to compromise. Under our system the Commission will work with the taxi owners rather than treating them like children."

Mr. Simmons said that he had researched the GPS system proposed by Transport Minister Ewart Brown and said reasons for implementing it were "dubious" at best.

"We remain committed to ensure that it will never be forced on the industry under our watch in the new United Bermuda Party government."

Gywneth Rawlins, who was introduced as the party's candidate for district 26, said that far too many taxi drivers were spending long days on the road, just to find money to make ends meet.

"This is totally unacceptable," she said before announcing that a UBP Government would reduce the payroll tax burden for cab drivers during the off season.

"That many hours on the road does pose a threat to public safety."