Security cameras coming soon to Regina taxis

Security cameras and other technological enhancements are coming to Regina's taxis.

Under a 3.8 per cent taxi rate increase approved by City Council on Monday, a small amount is being earmarked to help pay for computer-aided dispatch, global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and security cameras.

There have been numerous cases of city cab drivers being threatened,robbedand attacked over the years, and the hope is video cameras will help deter such crimes.

One Regina taxi driver who CBC News spoke to Friday said he has personal safety concerns and is happy the cameras are coming in the spring.

He also said he would be in favour of Plexiglas shields between the driver and passengers, as is used in other cities, including Winnipeg.

Under new rules, regular taxis must have cameras installed by May. Accessible taxicabs have until December 2017 to get them.

The city says five to 10 cents of the typical car fare will go toward the new technology. The increase goes into effect March 24.

With the 3.8 per cent added, a five-kilometre ride (roughly the distance from the Hotel Saskatchewan to the airport) will cost $16.35.