TLC Gives Taxi Fare Increase Green Light

Click Here to watch a newscast of this event

In a unanimous vote the Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a fare hike Wednesday that will double the rate passengers pay for sitting in traffic.

“Drivers deserve as living, but right now, it’s a terrible struggle,” said William Lindauer of the Taxi Workers Alliance.

Drivers spoke at a public hearing before the Taxi and Limousine Commission approved raising from 20 to 40 cents per minute the rate riders pay while cabs are stuck in traffic. It will raise the average cost of a trip by about a buck.

The initial pick up charge for cabs went up two years ago, but this is the first update in the waiting time charge in 17 years.

“We want to make sure that these drivers now that are in the industry, which is a healthy industry, stay in this industry for years to come,” said TLC Chairman Matthew Daus.

The TLC also okayed a $45 flat fee from Manhattan to JFK Airport. Currently there is a $45 flat rate from the airport to Manhattan, but back to the airport, passengers are charged on the meter. The TLC hopes the flat rate will encourage more travelers to use yellow cabs to get to the airport.

“I think it’s a good customer service piece that has worked very well for us for many years, so we just want to make it a two way street,” said Daus.

Taxi drivers on hand for the commission vote say they were pleased with the entire fare adjustment package.

“I mean we all know New York City is full of traffic every day. Since they are not willing to eliminate the cars coming in, they have to give us that,” said taxi driver Erhan Tuncel.

“Traffic is horrendous, I mean drivers really can’t make a living,” said Vincent Sapone of the League of Mutual Taxi Owners.

But some riders NY1 spoke with may not be as supportive of the increase.

“Unbelievable, here we go, more money down the drain,” said one New Yorker.

“As of right now, you pay a lot of money for taxis. And just from here to there, ten dollars there, ten dollars here, that’s going to be 15 dollars there, 15 dollars here, so that’s going to be too much money,” added another.

But other riders understand the drivers point of view.

“Everybody needs to earn a living, the cost of living has gone up so the salaries need to go up to,” said a more supportive passenger. “And if I need a cab and I have to pay for it, then I will pay for it.”

But she won’t have to pay more just yet, the new fares aren’t expected to be put into place until December.