The owner of a taxi company in Saint John plans to install new safety devices after one of his drivers was attacked in an attempted robbery on the weekend.

The latest attack happened early on Sunday morning after the city's bars closed.

Saint John Police were called to an uptown location where a University Cab driver and his passenger had been struggling in the cab.

Ahmed Khanes, the owner of University Cab, said he is concerned about the increase of attacks and robberies on taxi drivers in the city.

The weekend attack is just the latest in a series of recent robberies.

Last month, Khanes said one of his female drivers was robbed on the east side and in that incident, he said the suspect was armed:

"It just makes me more sad and become more worried," Khanes said.

"I just become more worried about my drivers."

Khanes said it's clear his drivers need better protection. By the end of next month, he plans to have flashing lights installed on all his cabs.

Khanes said drivers who are under attack or in trouble can set the lights off to alert passersby to call the police.

The Saint John cab operator said something needs to be done to curb the rise of violence against cab drivers.

"People who really work hard don't seem to be respected by those who want to make a short cut of making money," Khanes said.

"So, I mean, I think something needs to be done seriously by the authorities."

Police investigation

The Sunday morning attempted robbery of the University Cab is now under investigation by the Saint John Police.

The suspect had fled on foot without taking any money. He wasn't armed but the driver suffered minor injuries.

Saint John Police Sgt. Don Cooper said the force's major crime unit is now investigating the altercation.

"It's a serious offense," Cooper said.

"He tried to rob him, so we take the crime seriously."