UberX driver shares fears of road rage attacks by taxi drivers
Taxi drivers should take fight against UberX off the roads and into the courts, says UberX driver
A Montreal UberX driver feels he's being unjustly and dangerously targeted by taxis on the road.
That comes as cab drivers have been pushing authorities to crack down and apply the law against UberX drivers. On Monday, Montreal taxi drivers ordered an UberX ride, then blocked the driver until authorities could seize the car.
CBC's Daybreak spoke with an UberX driver to get his perspective, in light of the recent tensions.
CBC has agreed to withhold Joseph's last name because he is afraid he could be targeted by police and taxi drivers.
Joseph says he took the job with Uber to help support his mother who had secondary multiple sclerosis.
"It's been an excellent source of income," said Joseph, who works two jobs.
He says the active campaign against UberX drivers has him always looking over his shoulder.
"I need to watch my back constantly," he said.
I need to watch my back constantly- Joseph, UberX driver
He recalled one time when he was sitting at a red light, when he received a request for a ride via the Uber application. The beep was loud enough that a taxi driver nearby heard the recognizable notification sound.
"Immediately I started getting honked at … The cab driver started to try to shift his car into mine and sort of swerve and had what seemed like road rage on me," he said.
Joseph says it's dangerous when cabbies start to target individual drivers.
"The fight's not on the road and the fight shouldn't be one on one, one UberX driver and one taxi at a time. It should be in the court," Joseph said.
Taxi drivers say they have to defend themselves
Taxi driver Uber Hassan Katoua is one of the organizers of the movement against UberX.
He says cab drivers need to take an aggressive stand.
"They have to defend themselves against the danger that is coming from outside and stealing the bread from their families and their kids," Katoua said.
But Joseph says if taxi drivers are upset with their working conditions they should jump ship and work for Uber instead.
"The world has changed dramatically. People are more aware about their shopping and spending," he said.