The Taxi and Limousine Commission will consider increasing cab fares as a result of cabbie complaints of high gas prices, says Crain’s New York.
Fleet owners want an increase of between 16 and 20 percent, arguing that gas prices that have gone up nearly 45 percent since 2006—the year the last hike was approved—make the proposal necessary to help keep drivers afloat.
"The fare hasn't changed since 2006, so it is reasonable for taxi drivers and fleet owners to put this on the table," TLC Commissioner David Yassky said in a statement. "We will consider their petitions over the next couple of months."
A 50-cent surcharge went into effect in 2009 to fund city buses and subways, but left the base fare unchanged.
The looming fare increases mean that Brooklynites—who along with other outer borough residents generally take longer taxi trips than their counterparts in Manhattan—may have to reach a bit further into their pockets for a taxi ride. Recently, the , which will be painted bright green and given authority to pick up street hails outside of Manhattan.
The public hearing will take place on May 31 at 11 a.m. at the TLC's headquarters located at 33 Beaver St., Floor 19, in Manhattan.
