Taking the taxis for a test drive

They sped through school zones and read while driving - and they didn't always take the fastest route.

The Herald on Sunday hailed taxis from four companies at random to compare their area knowledge, journey time, driver behaviour and fares on the same journey from central Auckland.

The taxis - from Summit Taxis, Sunshine Taxis, Reliable Cabs and Auckland Co-op Taxis - took three different routes to Goodall St, Hillsborough, and charged fares between $39-$45.

Reliable Cabs reached our destination 10 minutes earlier than Sunshine Taxis, but charged the same amount at $44 after adding $5 for a taxi chit. Auckland Co-op Taxis charged $4 for a taxi chit.

Some drivers also displayed potentially life-threatening driving skills by speeding and taking their eyes off the road to check maps.

Summit Taxis took a direct route along Mt Eden Rd in a 25-minute journey, while Sunshine Taxis and Reliable Cabs went via Dominion Rd, taking 30 minutes and 20 minutes respectively.

Auckland Co-op Taxis battled for 30 minutes along the Southern Motorway and Manukau Rd.

We noted no inappropriate behaviour.