Unlicensed taxis, sometimes called gypsy cabs, are picking up passengers on Calgary streets, warns the association that oversees taxis in the city.

Using such cabs could prove to be dangerous because the drivers and vehicles are not put through the same safety checks and training as licensed taxis, said Roger Richard, head of the city's taxi advisory committee.

"The public has to … be very careful to make sure they take fully licensed taxi cabs in the city for their own security," Richard said.

'A guy has to make a living, whether it's in a marked cab or a gypsy cab.'— Derek, unlicensed taxi driver

Calgary has more than 1,400 cabs so there is no need for the unlicensed variety, he said.

"We have more than enough taxis in the city," he said.

Gypsy cab driver asks for donations

But one self-described gypsy cab driver with two years' experience on the road told CBC News that he's been averaging 20 trips a day during the holidays.

Derek, who asked that his last name not be used, doesn't have a licence to drive cabs. He has an unmarked van and doesn't officially charge a fare, only asks for a tip or "donation" for a ride. He has met four or five other "gypsy" cab drivers.

"You are just giving somebody a ride," he said. "If there was an accident, there could be some issues, but for the most part, I haven't seen much of that happening. A guy has to make a living, whether it's in a marked cab or a gypsy cab."

Without an ad in the Yellow Pages, Derek said he has a couple of ways of getting customers.

"You usually just hang out outside a bar and wait for customers, and then the odd regular will give you a phone call," he said.

Taxis regulated for safety reasons

Richard said customers should avoid gypsy cabs because taxis are regulated for safety reasons.

"There's a real reason this industry is regulated, and that is mainly to protect the public," he said.

"As far as the drivers are concerned, there is a police check, a safety check, a licence check, a [driver's] abstract check. There's training," he said. "As far as the vehicle is concerned, they do have to meet the standards of the city, and it has to have a mechanical [check] twice a year."

Passengers should check to make sure the taxi has a proper licence posted on the vehicle and the driver has a badge inside, he said.