Rugby World Cup Cab Chat: Cassim Iflah from Discount Taxis

Cassim Iflah, from Discount Taxis. Photo / Steven McNicholl

This World Cup, the Herald will speak to cabbies about the word on the street. Today, meet Cassim Iflah from Discount Taxis.

Would you have turned us away if we asked for a short ride?

No. A fare is a fare. This morning I took someone from Hobson St to Albert St.

That's about 100m! They must've been tourists?

Yes. Most tourists stay in the city, that's the problem, [they're] not travelling far. So they walk or catch buses to Eden Park. We take everything, because [business] is slower than usual.

Who are your favourite clients?

I picked up some people from Ireland, after they won the match against Australia. They drunk too much, but they were very honest and no trouble. I got a tip, £10 [$17.20], from one Irish guy.

Where were you before New Zealand?

Melbourne, and Matara [Sri Lanka], where I was born. Money-wise Melbourne is better. Life-wise, Auckland. It's quiet and very peaceful. In Sri Lanka I was a gemologist. I was the quality controller, checking the gems. But I couldn't find a job here.

Your favourite gem?

Blue sapphire.

So is that what you gave your wife at your wedding?

No, it would have cost $5000-$6000. I gave her jewellery from Pascoes.

Do gemologists make good taxi drivers?

You need good eyes. See. [Narrowly missing a swerving driver] I have good eyes.

Good eyes for spotting people doing a runner?

It's part of the job. But I never run after them.

Do you prefer rugby or cricket?

Sri Lanka play rugby but they're not that good. I grew up in the same town as [Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath] Jayasuriya. He would play with us with a tennis ball in the evening on the beach.

And fielding against Jayasuriya didn't teach you how to run?

Jayasuriya was not good then, he was small. I bowled medium-fast, but only with a tennis ball. I never bowled [Jayasuriya] out, though.

Has your taxi camera made you feel safer?

Not really. They're too late. They do not prevent, just record.

Any incidents in your cab?

No one's thrown up. No fights. Some romance, though.