Proposed Cab Fare Hike Would Be The First Since 2006
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New Yorkers may be seeing a surge in cab fares in the near future. The Taxi and Limousine Commission is considering a fare hike that could be as much as 20 percent.
One New Yorker told CBS 2's Tony Aiello on Monday that the thought of a fare hike is unreasonable.
"It's already ridiculous how much they charge, it's just ridiculous," Yvette Brown said.
But cabbies said that the proposed hike is not only justified, but long overdue.
1010 WINS' John Montone reports
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"Really long overdue. All the gas prices and other things going up, we need a fare hike," Kwame Obeng said.
TLC Chairman David Yassky told CBS 2 that the fare in New York City has not changed since 2006, and that the proposed hike is a reasonable proposition.
The average taxi trip is just under 3 miles, and the average fare is $11.82. If that fare were to go up 20 percent, riders would be shelling out $14 to $18 for the same trip.
Not all riders were against the proposed hike. Edward Gluckman told CBS 2 that he sides with the drivers.
"People work for a living, they deserve to get an increase," he said.
Riders and drivers will be able to voice their opinions at a TLC hearing later in May.
The only addition to cab fares since 2006 was a 50-cent surcharge added by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to each ride to fund bus and subway service.
Is the city overdue for a fare hike? And how much is appropriate? Let us know in our comment section below...
