New York: A Pakistani cab driver fleeced
hundreds of passengers in this US city to extra USD 40,000
over six months in what might be New York's biggest rider
rip-off.
By setting his meter to charge passengers a higher
fare rate, Wasim Kalid Cheema made USD 40,000 more than an
average cab driver earns in six months.
Authorities began investigations after receiving
complaints from passengers about the expensive trips between
short distances.
Cheema was charging people travelling within the city,
fares that one would usually pay travelling into the
countryside, according to the Taxi and Limousine
Commission (TLC).
An investigation revealed that Cheema had duped
passengers 574 times in the month of July.
Cheema been driving since May 2007 and has
previously been convicted for over-charging. Last week, his
license was revoked.
The NY Daily News managed to speak to Cheema who said
the charges against him were "ridiculous".
"Why would my name be out there if others are doing it
too?" he asked.
The 22-year-old who belongs to Brooklyn New York told
the paper that he has been attending college in Missouri for
the past two months.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 02, 2010, 21:56