told the public what that is have one basic problem. The public, especially the visiting public, already thinks the fares are too high. That being the case, it is very difficult to advocate "industrial action''. There are also a great many residents who believe that taxi drivers do much better than they claim and that if they work at driving their cab they can do very well. We do not detect very much public sympathy for "industrial action''.

We think that some of the problem drivers have was created when Government allowed larger taxis on the roads. Small groups use two cars where they once used four and drivers of smaller cars suffer. That being the case, Government should offer some assistance.

Visitors seem to take fewer and fewer taxi sightseeing tours. They are expensive but these days they are also not very comfortable for the passengers because of the chaotic road conditions. Sightseeing on Bermuda's roads is no longer a pleasure and any local who has driven a visitor around knows that.

There are some things which can be done to assist taxi drivers.

There should be a concerted effort to stop private car owners hacking their cars. Clearly they take fares away from legitimate drivers because they often charge less. For years now Bermuda has looked away from these drivers who have none of the problems of taxis and hack only when there are ready fares. They are unfair and illegal competition.

Taxi drivers can be given duty free gas. If Government is concerned that drivers might start selling cheap gas then there can be a punch card system which allows drivers four or five fill-ups a week of tax free gas.

In other words, we think the solution is to find some breaks for taxi drivers and operators instead of increasing fares. At a time when all of Bermuda is meeting price resistance it is not sensible to raise taxi fares.

We would have no problem with a licensing system which exempted taxis from licensing fees on the grounds that they are a public service for both visitors and Bermudians.

In return, however, there would have to be some enforceable agreement to improve the taxi service, also on the grounds that it is a public service.

Taxi service is now uneven over the Island. Ordering a taxi can be a very confusing process with a very casual approach from dispatchers and never a certainty that a car will arrive.

Taxis are a public service, not a casual private operation. The service must be operated efficiently. We all know that many cars do not stay on the roads the legally required hours and that should change. Anyone who uses taxis encounters the "don't do that drivers'', those who almost literally demand that you ride without sitting in the seat, or the speed demons, those who drive so fast that you are terrified. That too has to stop.

Passengers using a public service are entitled to a comfortable and safe ride at a sensible price.