A maxi taxi driver whose vehicle was torched in Kalgoorlie-Boulder last month has called on the public to respect taxi drivers.

Ali Abodian was in Melbourne when he was told of the incident which left his friend, who was driving his taxi, injured and the vehicle destroyed in a fire.

Mr Abodian told the Kalgoorlie Miner he had suffered financially because of the damage.

His replacement vehicle has cost him $53,500 and he also estimated he lost about $12,000 in income over the six weeks he was unable to drive.

He is one of three drivers with Twin City Taxis who has a vehicle capable of carrying disabled passengers with wheelchairs.