Taxi director slapped with $9k fine

Transport officials are pleased with the $9,200 fine dished out to an Auckland taxi company director.

Krishna Lal has pleaded guilty to a total of 14 charges after some drivers were found operating taxis without the correct passenger licence.

The charges involved the three companies, Era Cabs, Budget Taxis and Waitakere Taxis.

A passenger in her 80s using the Total Mobility scheme subsidised taxi service, made a complaint to the NZTA.

The woman who was unable to speak following a stroke, was charged $70 instead of a more appropriate $15 dollar taxi fare.

NZTA spokesman Harry Wilson, says the fine delivers a clear message to the taxi industry ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

- NEWSTALK ZB