Cabbie suspended while investigation underway into unsolicited text messages sent to woman after taxi ride

A Winnipeg cab driver has been suspended as Unicity Taxi investigates how the driver got a customer’s cellphone number and then sent her text messages.

It comes after an 18-year-old woman spoke out to CTV News about receiving unsolicited texts from one of Unicity’s drivers.

Catharine Caglayan said she ordered a taxi Monday at around 6 a.m.

She called using her cellphone.

During the ride, Caglayan said she started to feel uncomfortable when the cab driver began asking personal questions.

Caglayan got dropped off at her job as planned, but about four hours later, she got a text message.

“It was weird,” Caglayan said.

At first she didn’t know who sent it.

Then she asked the sender if he was her cab driver from earlier that morning.

The sender replied, “yes.”

Caglayan said she became immediately concerned the driver reached her on her cellphone.

"It should be private,” Caglayan said.

“My number, yes, it does show up on their calling board but I don't think he should have the right to text me personally after he's dropped me off."

Caglayan saved the conversation in her phone and showed it to CTV News.

The sender asked Caglayan if she wanted a ride after work.

She replied, "I can take the bus."

"I can't pay for another taxi"

The sender responded, "no no free ride."

At which point Caglayan asked why she was being offered a free ride.

The sender later replied, "just frnd not wrong."

"Really u vry nice."

"As soon as my daughter told me what had happened, every fibre in my body just went through the roof, this is not normal," said Cynthia Caglayan.

Unicity Taxi said the driver claimed Catharine gave him her number.

Acting Manager Paul Sandhu said typically drivers don’t see that information.

“It's only if the customer requests to put the phone number out then we give the phone number to the driver," Sandhu said.

Catharine said she didn't give the cab company permission to give the driver her number.

Her mom calls it a violation of privacy.

"My biggest concern though was for her safety,” said Cynthia Caglayan.

She said her daughter relies on cabs to get to and from work early in the morning and late at night.

Unicity identified the driver as a 40-year-old man who has been driving for the company for six months.

Sandhu said once the investigation is complete, the man could face a fine, a longer suspension, or even lose his job.

Unicity said it must first determine exactly how the driver got Catharine’s cellphone number.