Taxi President Wants Driver Protection

HONOLULU -- Oahu's largest taxi company is pushing for more safety measures for its drivers on the heels of the latest attack on a cab driver.

Safety may have to come at the cost of appearance and expense. That is something drivers said they are not willing to give up.

One of the most dangerous professions in the world is also one of the most needed services.

The president of The Cab Co. said with crime against taxi drivers appearing to be on the rise, he hopes he can help his drivers protect themselves. He said he wants the Honolulu Police Department to hold a safety seminar in the beginning of next year.

"In my opinion, this is very, very necessary. Most of the drivers that drive taxis are not trained, they have no training in this area, and I believe they should," The Cab Co. President Howard Higa said.

All 650 drivers with The Cab have a GPS system installed in their cars equipped with a panic button. Cameras and protective shields are also being recommended, but are expensive and not popular.

"I think very few people actually (are going to) install a camera. Then, if you put a shield across, then it takes away from the customer," The Cab driver Carl Lane said. "They're all independent contractors and therefore the final decision is going to be the decision of the driver."

It is not known if any of the safety measures would have helped taxi driver Minh Tran, 54, who is recovering from being stabbed and robbed two weeks ago by two of his customers.

"He is alive and doing well and a little nervous, but, you know, it's expected," Higa said.

Honolulu police arrested one man in connection with the case, but are still searching for a second. Tran is expected to return to work.