Mara Elliott. Campaign photo

A Los Angeles man who operated an unlicensed taxi service at the international border at San Ysidro was fined $1,000 and placed on three years probation, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

A jury convicted Norberto Romero Corona of misdemeanor charges of offering to sell transportation services without a permit — or “wildcatting” — and soliciting within the Border Public Safety Zone in San Ysidro.

“Transportation services must operate in a safe and legal way,” said City Attorney Mara Elliott. “Our office will prosecute anyone who competes unfairly with taxi services.”

Wildcatters troll near the border pedestrian crossing looking for customers who need to get to cities across California. The wildcatters are able to undercut licensed shuttles, taxis and ride-sharing providers on price because many drivers and their vehicles are not permitted or inspected, respectively, and many do not have insurance.

— City News Service