Rugby World Cup Cab Chat: Alauddin Alauddin from Auckland Co-op Taxis

Alauddin Alauddin. Photo / Greg Bowker

This World Cup, the Herald will speak to cabbies about the word on the street. Today, meet Alauddin Alauddin from Auckland Co-op Taxis.

Do you know of any taxi drivers doing well during the Rugby World Cup?

Not really, no. I was very excited that I could make some money. But business is about 30 per cent down.

How does that affect you personally?

I have four kids and a wife, I need to support my family. Before I was working 40-50 hours, now I work 60 hours, starting at midday, finishing at midnight. I've picked up three fans in all this time - one from Australia, one from South Africa,
one French.

Who are the best passengers?

(Before the Cup) The Irish. They're good people, have a good chat. They behave, no disrespect. And they have a nice accent.

And the worst-behaved?

Ninety-five per cent are good customers. But two years ago - you may know this - I was attacked [by a passenger] with a screwdriver. The back of my head was bleeding, and the guy said 'Go!' but I was at a traffic light, so I couldn't go. I just ran away. He took my car, but he was caught, he is in jail. The police do an excellent job.

Where were you before New Zealand?

Pakistan. I used to play cricket, I was an all-rounder. [Which means] I'm not good enough at batting or bowling. In my work, I was a librarian.

Do you ever ask passengers to shush?

No, no, I don't mind. They can do what they want.

What do you miss from Pakistan?

My friends and my family. Everything else is here. Some food you cannot get because the city council does not allow cooking on the street, kebabs on an open fire.

You don't miss the library?

Of course. I am a professional librarian.

All my study is getting wasted. A lot of taxi drivers are accountants, engineers, doctors.

This is my request to bosses, authorities: You do not need to give us the jobs straight away. But put us into the [system], just in the office, from the beginning, so we can learn. I have applied for so many library jobs.

Being a taxi driver, after 10-15 years my back starts getting sore, my whole right-hand side. So we just go to bed. This taxi-driving, anyone can do it. I don't mind, but we are wasted in this job.