Saskatoon city council is reviewing taxi driver safety following two violent incidents: a Saskatoon driver was shot in the face with a BB gun, and a North Battleford driver was fatally shot on the job. The discussions emerged from a May 27 report on taxi fare regulations.
Union President Calls for Up-Front Payment
Malik Draz, president of the USW union representing taxi drivers, proposed that fares be paid up front. "This can reduce the risk of injury to drivers," he told council. Draz also observed a moment of silence for Davinder Singh, a 30-year-old driver killed in North Battleford in March while waiting in his taxi.
Adnan Ahmad, a driver and union member, shared that a colleague was shot in the face over the May Long weekend after an argument with a customer who refused to pay. Saskatoon police confirmed the May 18 incident in the 200 block of 33rd Street West; the 51-year-old driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Safety Concerns Dominate Survey Feedback
The report recommended several amendments to the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw, focusing on fare structures. However, a survey of taxi brokers and drivers revealed safety as the top concern. Respondents cited customers ripping off drivers as a common practice, creating safety risks. Others requested stricter regulations on Uber, higher rates for large vehicles, messy customers, and long-distance trips.
Draz supported many administrative recommendations but noted that point-of-sale machines owned by brokers can delay driver payments, sometimes leading to small claims court cases.
The council continues to explore measures to enhance driver security while balancing industry regulations.
