Cabbies' SOS call to Government

That was the call from cabbies yesterday as they urged government to help make them safer — and to resist “crippling” their industry with further tax hikes in this Friday’s Budget. Using GPS is dangerous because it’s “like texting behind the wheel,” while violent crime has created no-go areas, driver Lee Tucker told a press conference. Cameras in cabs would help snare thugs, he said.

“It is very difficult to go into some areas of Bermuda now, ” Mr. Tucker added. “Some of the drivers are reluctant to go into certain areas for their own safety.”

A campaign group representing cabbies called on Premier Paula Cox to consider tax breaks, similar to those given to restaurants and hotels, in the off-season.

Bermuda Taxi Drivers with Concerns said it is willing to work with Government and welcomed plans to create a Taxi Authority to regulate the industry.

Driver Lee Tucker says operators should be given the choice over whether to use GPS.

“We are asking the government to remove the requirement that GPS is compulsory. The option is what we are asking for – some may choose to use voice while others may stick to GPS as long as they are serving the public and providing quality service.

“The fees that pay for GPS go overseas and do not stay on the island.”

He added: “Taxi operators have been overlooked for a long time.

“The taxi situation is undoubtedly worse than in previous years, maybe even in 60 years. Taxi drivers are being force out of business. As many as nine taxis are in the process of being seized because the operators can’t afford to keep their businesses running. It’s a drastic situation.

“We hope that the Finance Minister won’t hit us with another tax rise. One dollar would be one dollar too much and it could prove to be the final straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Mr. Tucker said he hoped the creation of a Taxi Association as well as improved dialogue with government would also make the industry safer.

 “…We should be more concerned about getting cameras in the taxis. That way we can catch some of these culprits.”

Siege

Fellow driver and campaign member Terry Flood said the taxi industry had been “under siege” for four years.

Mr. Flood accused some hotels of acting illegally by using their limousines and buses to ferry guests to golf courses, restaurants and shopping.

“That is the work of the taxis,” he said.

“All we are asking for is a share of the pie. Taxi drivers have to pay taxes all year around even when they are not making any money.

“Other people in the restaurant and hotel industries get tax breaks. Taxi drivers have to pay even when they don’t have a dime.”

He added: “The competition with mini buses has almost put us out of business.

“We look forward to meeting with the new Taxi Association in the hope of sorting that area out.”

Mr. Flood said GPS had failed in its objectives and it was now time to scrap it.

He added: “We are still concerned about GPS. It was forced on us and has not been any safer and has not saved time and money – it has just been another expense to the average taxi driver.

“GPS was supposed to be a panic button – but by the time the police arrive at the scene we have been robbed and the robbers have got away.

“With radio dispatch you can talk directly to the dispatch and get help that way.”

He said that in eight of the last 10 robberies the taxi drivers had GPS – and yet none of the culprits were caught.