Possible Cab Fare Increase

In more transportation news, Chicago taxi drivers are gathering signatures for a petition to ask the city council to approve a fare hike, the first in four years. As a result of soaring gas prices, some Chicago cabbies are pumping up to $60 per week, which they are right now paying out of pocket; even though this sounds like a lot, 38th ward Alderman Tom Allen reminds us that “fuel prices are cyclical,” so a fare increase might not happen just yet. Before it can consider a fare increase, the city council must receive a 1,700-signature petition signed only by licensed taxi drivers, after which the council will have 60 days to render a decision. Get your local politics butt in gear by finding out who your alderman is.