City Advises Drivers/Fares Report And Don't Take Matters Into Your Own Hands
This past week saw a Moose Jaw man sentenced to a one year conditional jail sentence for a vicious attack on a Moose Jaw cab driver which left the driver, according to his Victim Impact Statement, traumatized and now fearful when he is working.
And the one message from the City of Moose Jaw’s Bylaw Department is that if you are a taxi driver or it you feel you have been harassed while in a cab do not take the matter into your own hands but report the incident when it is safe to do so.
Although the City now licenses taxi companies - after years of not doing so - the Bylaw Department advises all criminal matters should be reported and dealt with by the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS).
“Instances of assault, harassment or where the behaviour is criminal in nature should be reported directly to the Moose Jaw Police directly,:” the City’s bylaw department said in an email response to MJ Independent when asked about the latest incident.
Asked about how in other cities in the province there are on-going efforts to protect taxi drivers through regulations the City’s Bylaw Department encourages taxi and ride share companies to establish safety policies and they are not compelled to pick up fares they feel threatened by.
“We would encourage each taxicab and limousine company to have a set of emergency procedure rules in place, for use in different circumstances for drivers’ personal safety. If a driver feels their personal safety is at risk or are being threatened, they have the right to refuse the fare and should contact the police immediately if the passenger's behaviour is violent or offensive,” the department responded.
For drivers who feel threatened in the course of their duties the City’s Bylaw Department advises them to speak directly about incidents to their employer and if the driver feels unsafe they are not compelled to pick up a fare.
“Drivers are equipped with a dispatch device, two-way radio or mobile data terminal for dispatching purposes. This also serves as a means for drivers to communicate with their employer directly and immediately if they feel threatened while in the course of their duties. Drivers are also encouraged to speak directly with their employers if they feel unsafe.”
The Bylaw Enforcement Office will respond to complaints and concerns regarding taxis, limousines and ride sharing and dependent on the nature of the complaint how the complaint is dealt with.
“The City takes all complaints seriously, on a complaint-basis. The City will review the complaint details and determine an appropriate response. If there are allegations of criminal behaviour, the Moose Jaw City Police are involved in those situations,” the email response said.
“City staff have responded to concerns regarding taxis and companies and continue to do so on a complaint-basis. If an offence is observed, complaints relating to the taxi industry can be made directly to the Bylaw Department and will be investigated. If the complaint is of a criminal nature, issues will have to be reported directly to the police.”
Asked about what the City is doing now to protect drivers and customers alike now that there is a Taxi Bylaw the Bylaw Department points out there are rules and regulations in place designed to create a safer work environment.
“There are also a number of measures taken to screen drivers, from requiring criminal record checks and driver abstracts, to requiring vehicles to pass an annual vehicle inspection from a qualified mechanic appointed by Traffic Safety Services of Saskatchewan Government Insurance. If you operate taxi, limousine or rideshare vehicles in the Province of Saskatchewan, you must file a satisfactory criminal record check with the company you drive for on an annual basis under SGI legislation. An unsatisfactory criminal record check may result in a driver not being approved to drive a taxi as per The Vehicle For Hire Regulations.”
For customers who feel threatened or believe something criminal has occurred the Department’s advice is to get out of the cab/ride share and contact the Moose Jaw Police Service.
“Further to that, any passenger that does not feel safe is encouraged to call the police in an emergency or If they feel vulnerable, they should try to not travel alone or ask the driver to stop so they may leave.”
Regarding those drivers who offer rides and are not licensed by the City the Bylaw Department will respond and take appropriate action.
At the present time there are a number of unlicensed drivers operating who at times are so brazen as to put up lighted “TAXI” signs on the roof of their vehicles and pick up fares illegally in front of bars on weekends. These drivers operate illegally and have not been screened by the City.