Kelowna's downtown core is not as dangerous for a cab driver on a Friday or Saturday night as it's being made out to be.

That's the perspective of one taxi company in the city.

Checkmate Cabs Assistant Manager, Will Zochinsky, says his drivers are not afraid of going downtown during what is commonly known as the 'bar flush.'

"I don't know where the theory that cab drivers don't want to be down there comes from," says Zochinsky.

"As a company, we have to serve our residential customers first. Those are the people that call us and specifically ask for our company's cabs. If a cab isn't doing that, you bet your boots the first thing he's doing is headed downtown to pick up a fare."

Zochinsky says the big problem for his drivers is trying to get up and down Leon and Lawrence avenues.

"There's been talk about setting up a line either down Water Street or down Abbott. Personally, I think that's a great idea because the cab would just pull up, you're at the start line and you get your cab."

He says the frustration for many of the drivers stems from having their vehicles kicked because they either have a fare or you are there to pick up someone else.

"We all know there is a lack of taxi's in Kelowna. You could probably put 10 on and you wouldn't notice."

There are currently 82 licensed cabs in Kelowna with 18 of those operated out of Checkmate Cabs.

Zochinsky says each of his company's cars are on the road Friday and Saturday night.

As for the contention that it is dangerous to pick up bar patrons near closing time, that you don't know who is getting into the cab, Zochinsky says he doesn't buy it.

"There's dangers being a taxi driver, there's no doubt about it, but it's not specific to the bar scene. Any time you mix alcohol and people you're going to have maybe a few more problems than otherwise, but, even house addresses don't guarantee you getting paid and knowing who's in your car."

Zochinsky adds he is not in a position to elaborate, however, his company is working on some ideas to help the city with the downtown bar flush problem.

He says he would prefer to talk to the city before going public with specifics.