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Toronto cabbies change minds about protective shields

J M Shenoy

In contrast to the objections raised by taxi owners and drivers to installing shields in their cars, most owners and drivers now suggest that the government should mandate such a protection, the results of a recent survey show.

"The murders of two cabbies a few weeks ago have made everyone conscious of the increasing danger to drivers," says cabbie Gurbir Singh. "We cannot think life is getting safer and better for us." Balijinder Singh Rai, 48, who was stabbed to death in his Kwik Kab in a parking lot allegedly by two men in their 20s who wanted his money. Some cabbies believe racism also played a role in the murder.

Two days before Rai's murder an Afghan doctor, Mohammadullah Saighani, 48, who drove a cab to survive in his new country, was found stabbed to death behind a factory. No one has been arrested in his death.

Despite the police claim that fewer crimes against cab drivers have been reported in the past three years, drivers feel otherwise. While the police say there were about 150 acts of violence against Toronto cabbies last year, taxi drivers believe the actual number exceeds 650. Many cabbies feel it is not worth their time to report the minor acts of violence but they nevertheless feel there should be greater effort by the government to protect them.

If Toronto decides on the protective shield, it will join a handful of cities in North America that are actively seeking to reduce cab crimes. In New York, as part of a pilot study, cameras, which transmit images directly to the police, have been installed in some cabs. Even if somebody tries to smash the camera, the image will be immediately sent to the authorities.

"It makes a lot of sense to provide the driver with a physical barrier for protection,'' Singh said.

"But to be more efficient, there should be video cameras, too. This would make any mischief-maker think ten, twenty times before breaking the law. This could save a lot of lives."

Some cabbies want a provision for flashing lights on a cab's roof that could be activated in a few seconds.

Owners of several taxi fleets, brokers and drivers participated in a recent survey which was sent to 12,000 people. About 10 per cent responded.

The owners will have to pick up the tab, city officials said. Installation of each shield would cost the owners about $ 500. A few cab owners suggested that new taxies should have built-in protection such as the shields.

EARLIER REPORT:

Crime of opportunity or racial motive?

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