A new Taxi Authority is to be established which will have overall responsibility for the industry, Transport Minister Terry Lister announced this morning.At a press conference, Mr Lister said: “It's no secret that over the years the Ministry of Transport has had its challenges with the taxi industry. However, no challenge is insurmountable.“Since being appointed Minister of Transport I have met with all groups concerned with the taxi industry. Some I have met with twice and even further meetings are planned.“However, in order to move real reform forward, and with the agreement of Cabinet, I have decided to appoint a Taxi Authority Review Committee to address the issues within the industry once and for all.“This committee has been tasked with preparing the framework for establishing a Taxi Authority. It is intended that this Authority would assume sole responsibility for the taxi industry that currently falls under the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board. In short we want the taxi industry to assume responsibility for themselves.”He said the committee's mandate will be to:1. Consider the scope of the Taxi Authority2. Review the benefits of establishing the Authority, and3. Determine how the Authority would function differently from the current Board.Neville Tyrell has been appointed committee chairman and other members include MP Lavita Foggo, chairwoman of the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board, Clyde Darrell, general manager, Grotto Bay Hotel, and taxi owners Owen Darrell Irving Butterfield.Mr Lister added: “I have given the committee an aggressive timetable and expect to have a report on my desk by 5 pm, April 30.“The committee is going to look at every aspect of the industry as well as how overseas jurisdictions manage their fleets. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. If other countries and municipalities can manage fleets many times larger than ours then surely we can effectively manage the 600 taxis operating in Bermuda.”The committee will look at issues including legislation and policy, dispatch companies and insurance issues.“Once the committee's work is done, and the required changes put in place, I hope not to revisit this subject for many, many years,” added Mr Lister.“I realise at times the debate will be heated, to say the least. But we need to rise above personal issues and do what is right for the greater good.“As the Government continues to enhance the tourism product, it is vital that the Ministry of Transport takes the necessary steps to improve our transportation service offerings and, in particular, the taxi industry.“I am confident that this committee will get the work done in a professional, thorough and timely manner. The time for endless meetings rehashing the same old, tired arguments is over. As Minister I am determined to take action. We owe it to our visitors, residents and, most of all, the taxi drivers.”Useful website: www.gov.bm