Las Vegas taxicab drivers have overcharged passengers an estimated $14.8 million last year by taking them on roundabout routes from the airport to their destinations, according to an audit by the state of Nevada.
The practice known as long-hauling gives Vegas a bad name and hurts tourism, said the panel:
"Taxicab trips are frequently the first and last experience tourists have in Las Vegas. Therefore, long hauling may result in tourists having a negative experience."
Local NBC affiliate MY News 3 sent one of its reporters out to test the honesty of area cabbies, getting long-hauled on one of four rides.
Dozens of Yellow Checker Star drivers, who are currently on strike, told FOX 5 Vegas that cabbies are compelled to long-haul because management fires those who don't produce. They hope the strike will raise eyebrows and help put an end to long-hauling.
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