REGINA – The City of Regina made some security changes to its taxi bylaw in the summer, but some cab drivers are calling on more changes to keep them safe on the job.
Abdul Reahman has driven a cab for years and said he often opts for the day shift over the night shift, simply because it’s safer.
“At night time, so many colleagues are stabbed, ripped off and robbed,” he explained.
A recent bylaw change in June requires all cabs in the city to install security cameras by May 2015.
Though the change is welcome news to drivers, many including Raehman were hoping for a physical barrier to help ease their minds.
The city’s fire chief and director of protective services, Ernie Polsom, said partitions were considered but ultimately deemed unnecessary.
“They are a very expensive, very bulky, very awkward option and remains completely available to cab owners to install,” he explained. “We didn’t think there was enough evidence to support making that a mandatory installation.”
Drivers in the city do have the ability to use their discretion and turn down fares if they feel unsafe in a situation.
Les Parker with the Regina Police Service said drivers should also take precautions when picking up clients.
“If you’re seating a single passenger, seat them opposite you, not in the front seat or behind you Or when you greet them, look them in the eye as a way of noting you know their face, and you can use that if need be,” he said.
New cameras should help capture any bad behavior, but until then any skeptical drivers are encouraged to trust their gut and above all else avoid confrontation.
George Passmore is a driver for Capital Cab and said a few bucks aren’t worth getting hurt over.
“It’s not worth it. It’s not worth my life, it’s not worth anyone else’s life either,” he added.
Polsom adds the city will monitor and evaluate the success of the security cameras after they are installed, and determine what changes, if any, are necessary in the future.
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