"A lot of the small, little assaults don't get reported," Abbas said. "Even the smaller physical assaults we just let go, but something happens every weekend."

Abbas said the most recent incident brings the debate about driver safety back into the spotlight — drivers have long argued for plastic shields between themselves and their fares while the city, which regulates the taxi industry, has mandated surveillance cameras in every car.

Sajad's car was equipped with a surveillance system but it would not have captured this assault because it happened outside the vehicle. It might have captured images of the passengers when they were inside the vehicle, but police say they do not have descriptions of the suspects "at this time."

"The cameras only record incidents anyway, they don't do anything to prevent attacks," said Abbas.

He added that while Sajad did break a cardinal safety rule by getting out of the car to settle a disputed fare, he can understand why that happened.

"We tell all the drivers never get out of the car, even if it means you lose $50 just let it go because nothing is more important than your safety," he said. "We tell them that, but I know how desperate the drivers are."

Abbas said in the past year many taxi drivers have been driven to despair by skyrocketing insurance rates that have hit as high as $20,000 a year for some. With the city refusing to increase meter rates to cover the soaring costs, many drivers are being pushed to bend the rules to make a living.

"Some people are working 18 to 22 hours straight and they're so desperate to make money they're putting their safety, and the safety of their passengers, in jeopardy," he said. "This needs some attention."

The Tuesday assault is being investigated by detectives from the Mountain division. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-546-3873 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

sarnold@thespec.com

905-526-3496 | @arnoldatTheSpec