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Animal Advocates Fuming As Hansome Cabbies Get First Rate Hike Since 2010

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Horse and carriage drivers are getting a raise from a mayor who had promised to get rid of their industry before he even took office, and animal advocacy groups like NYCLASS are fuming.

"The raise is icing on the cake. We're very happy about that don't get me wrong, but primarily we're just happy to be where we are," Hansome Cabbie, Adrian Marrs said.

The city's Department of Consumer affairs approved the 8 percent rate increase. Hansome cabbies can now charge $54.08 for the first 20 minutes of a ride, and $21.36 for every 10 minutes after.

The old rate was $50 for the first 20 minutes, and $20 for every 10 minutes that followed.

The raise was part of an agreement made 6 years ago under the Bloomberg administration, granting the horse and carriage industry a rate hike every 3 years.

The union representing the drivers delayed asking for the raise until now.

"We didn't go after it in 2013 because of all the pressure we were under with de Blasio trying to ban the business," Ian McKeever said, "So consumer affairs had no problem giving us the rate increase of 8 percent. Any little thing will do."

Horse and carriage drivers haven't gotten a raise since 2010. Animal advocates said they're not happy to see the industry getting a pay hike. They're blaming their discontent on Mayor de Blasio.

"The bottom line is that the mayor made a promise to get the horses off the street, and he hasn't done it yet. So if he was able to take action to get the drivers a raise, certainly he can take action to protect the horses," Allie Tayler, NYCLASS said.

The Department of Consumer Affairs did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

The driver raises will, for now, outlive their renewed license that allow them to stay on the streets for the next two years.

 

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