There are no plans to require cameras and debit machines in local cabs. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Local delegation

Cameras in taxi cabs discussed at recent town council meeting

Feb 14, 2020 | 5:11 PM

La Ronge council was approached with the suggestion of mandating cameras and debit machines in taxi cabs at a regular meeting this week.

Jason Blue with Blue Taxi’s presented the idea to council as he feels the change would be beneficial for both customers and drivers in La Ronge. He has been a driver in communities in Saskatchewan for 18 years and he said it’s not unusual for customers to complain about the behaviour some drivers. Blue noted some complains are sexual in nature while others are a dispute in the amount charged.

“I was wondering if there was anyway we could change the policy for debit machines and cameras in the cabs,” he said, noting he already operates a camera in one of his. “Now with gangs in this town, I think it’s very beneficial here.”

larongeNOW reached out to Family Taxi Owner Vi Werchola about the suggestion and she said she is supportive about installing cameras. She operates the largest fleet of taxis in La Ronge and mentioned cameras could be beneficial. Werchola was unsure, however, if having cameras matter if the one committing the crime is intoxicated.

“I guess there is no harm in it, that’s for sure,” she said. “But it’s not going to stop a criminal. It may or may not help you. They’ll be able to recognize the criminal, but it doesn’t stop you from getting robbed at the time.”

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In the many years Family Taxi has operated in La Ronge, Werchola could only recall a few incidents in which a camera would have been useful. She said her drivers feel safe, comfortable and are well-known by customers.

Werchola is against being mandated to have debit machines in the cabs, adding there isn’t enough demand to justify the service.

“I don’t think it should be mandatory,” she said. “It’s not a big enough place and, to me, it’s a big hassle. That’s why I haven’t done it so far. We don’t get many requests for it. If we were getting daily requests, then we would so something about it and put it in, but we’re not.”

La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich commented council doesn’t have any plans to change the local bylaw to mandate cameras and debit machines. He said it’s important the rules are fair for all businesses and they all agree to implement them.

“I think they all have to agree if we’re going to legislate something,” Woytowich said about local taxi companies. “If you own a company and want to go further than that, that’s your business and that’s the bonus or benefit you provide the customers who want to deal with you.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno