Sexual harassment in cabs a 'public safety concern,' says chiefs' organization

A group representing more than 30 Manitoba chiefs is calling the rate of sexual assault complaints in taxis a "public safety concern," after multiple Winnipeg women came forward saying they were propositioned by drivers over the weekend.

"Taxicabs are increasingly becoming a service to fear and many women are avoiding utilizing this public transportation," the Southern Chiefs' Organization wrote in a release sent out Thursday. The organization representsrepresents 33 chiefs in southern Manitoba.

• Another woman claims Duffy's Taxi driver propositioned her for sex

In the past week, two Winnipeg women reported they were propositioned by drivers who asked them if they would like to "make some extra money" while in Duffy's Taxi cabs. Both women said they believed the drivers were offering them money for sex.

One of the women, Patricia Nosal, said there was another cab waiting outside her homewith a passenger in tow when her cab arrived.

The Manitoba Taxicab Board is reviewing the case, and Duffy's Taxi manager Ram Valluru told CBC on Tuesday both drivers in Nosal's case have been suspended until the review is complete.

• Woman says 'very nice' cab driver propositioned her on frightening ride home

Pamela Davis is the SCO's taxicab community complaint advocate. Her position was created two weeks ago in response to complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination in cabs, she said Thursday.

Davis said her organization has been made aware of two other complaints similar to those from the two women who came forward earlier this week.

She said she didn't know if the additional two women had reported their experiences to police.

'I want this to be taken seriously'

Davis said she wants to see police launch an investigation into the possibility the complaints are connected.

"I want this taken seriously. There's just too many similarities with the stories that have come to light over the past weekend," she said.

• Winnipeg taxi driver charged with sexual assault

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Police said police investigate all sexual assault and harassment complaints they receive.

Police are investigating both complaints made earlier this week.

Davis said she'd also like to see the Taxicab Board make changes to the industry to make sure policies surrounding licensing are enforced.

• Winnipeg taxi driver charged with sexual assault

"I know there's a lot of taxi drivers out there that do provide good services to the city of Winnipeg, I just think ...there has to be some change made in regards to what's going on," she said.

The Taxicab Board was not immediately available for comment on Thursday afternoon but chair Randy Williams will be speaking on CBC's Information Radio Friday around 7:45 a.m.

'Cover all your bases'

For now, Davis said women should be extra cautious while in cabs.

"People still do need to get to places, and people still do use the cabs. I really do urge people, regardless if you feel safe or not, just note the cab number," she said."At least, just cover all your bases and you know you're taking the proper precautions to be proactive and prevent these kind of things from happening."

• Too dangerous to take cabs in Winnipeg, says founder of Neechi Rides

She said people who take cabs alone should tell somebody when they depart and what time to expect their arrival, plus the number of the taxi itself.

If you're concerned for your safety at all, Davis said you should get out immediately and contact police.

"It should never have to get to that point, but obviously there's things happening, so for right now, we should do these [things] regardless, and hopefully in the future we won't have to be worried about something happening," she said.

"We shouldn't have to worry there will be something bad that's going to happen to us in cabs."