Rugby World Cup Cab Chat: Amil Goel from Reliable Cabs

Amil Goel says it's more stressful being a cab driver than a courier. Photo / Richard Robinson

This World Cup, the Herald will speak to cabbies about the word on the street. Today, meet Amil Goel from Reliable Cabs.

There's apparently 80,000 extra people in Auckland right now. How many have you picked up?

Not many. Only New Zealanders have given good fares, not visitors. Visitors only need to go around town. I usually just do weekends, so my wife can study, but it's not very good so I am coming in for weekdays.

How many fares have you had today?

One, for $10. I've been sitting in this rank all day. One car has moved in the last hour. I used to be a courier driver, it was good money. Being a taxi driver is more stressful, because there is no parking in the city. More people are taking buses. The council cut all the downtown ranks, and gives more downtown ranks to only some taxi companies.

Did you drive faster as a courier or as a taxi driver?

Ha, well, I am a safe driver. No accidents yet.

Is it frustrating to be sitting in your cab when a rugby game's on?

No, we listen on the radio, because that time is very quiet. Then when we hear someone's going for a try we run into the pub to watch.

Where were you before New Zealand?

North India, Punjab. I was studying law and a bachelor of arts. Then six years in Sydney. Doing an MBA, but I didn't complete studies.

What do you miss from India and Australia?

Nothing, I like it here. The weather is better. There are too many flies in Australia.

Any incidents in your cab?

People are sick sometimes. But I just open the door, clean the taxi, charge them the normal fare. They never pay [the fine]. If they spent that much on drinks, how are they going pay $100?