and increasingly uncertain world of taxi driving.

Drivers yesterday told The Royal Gazette that increasing crime has altered their approach to business.

Some say they carry weapons to protect themselves. Some refuse to work in areas they consider dangerous. Others refuse to work at night. Almost all say they trust people less.

And Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall revealed yesterday that a taxi advisory committee has been established to look into the problem which was first brought to the attention of the public last year when a driver's face was burned with acid by passengers.

Yesterday one veteran driver said the crimes are a symptom of a bigger social problem.

The 68-year-old driver, who asked that his name not be used, said: "I have been driving taxi for over 40 years. Forty years ago I used to be able to drive anywhere at anytime, even stopping by the side of the road to sleep when I got tired. But now I don't drive at all at night.'' Some drivers say they have resorted to illegal means to protect themselves.

They say they carry knives and bats and will refuse to make change when asked.

Others say they refuse to pick up "shady characters''.

However, that strategy has its problems.

"You don't know who to pass,'' said one female driver, who has been working the roads for eight years. "Some guys look shady but they will pay the fare.

Others who you think are decent will be the same ones to jump out of the car without paying.

"I know it's wrong to judge people by the way they dress. I know we are here to serve the public but our safety is important too. Government has got to do more to protect us.'' Not all drivers agreed that it should be up to Government to protect them.

One 35-year veteran, who also declined to give his name, suggested other methods.

"The courts need to make an example of one offender by prosecuting him severely. This will send a message to the rest that it is not right and it will not be tolerated,'' he said.

Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall said he did not know the answer to the problem.

"A Taxi Advisory Committee was started two weeks ago,'' he said. "Col.

Eugene Raynor and Custerfield Crockwell are on that Committee and their job is to report to me all the issues and complaints that are in the Taxi Industry and come up with resolutions.

"To my knowledge they have not met yet but they will be getting together soon,'' he said.