Chicagoist: Cabbies Ask City For Fare Increase

Tankboy

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:11:07 -0600

//Mich: Yeah, often at the airports, but also in other parts of the city. I make sure before I get in that they know I will use a card, if that is the case.// I've gotten grief from the cabby every time I use a credit card. And I only use a credit card when I absolutely have to. It sucks because they tend to assume you're a cheapskate when the fact is I'm a really big tipper.

delta_

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:36:37 -0600

... please take a moment and think about the children.

sasper

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:50:30 -0600

@RalphyWiggum -- the company pays for my cabs to and from the airport, so I don't mind tipping them well if it's a good ride, especially at 5am.

RalphWiggum

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:46:00 -0600

Couldn't agree more Tower18. I'll take NYC cabs any day over Chicago's. As for credit cards, I never tell them up front that I'm using one and I expect to get resistance to it in about 90% of the rides. It's the law though, so if they can't run the card and want to take the fraction of the fare that I have in cash, that's there choice. Before I could support any up front fare increase, they really need to put some technology into the cabs that allow for seamless used of credit cards, ala NYC. As for tipping, I probably average $1.50 or so on fares within the city, and $3-5 on fares to the airport. I can't believe people tip 30%! That's like $9+ on an airport fare!

BlueFairlane

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:17:45 -0600

I don't have any more facts than anyone else, but I can offer additional unfounded speculation on why cabbies drive the cars they drive. The biggest part of it, I suspect, is the long history Ford has in producing fleet vehicles, which can be customized cheaply and tned to hold up better. The company also offers sweet deals to companies buying large numbers of the cars, which is why Crown Victorias are almost exclusively used by cab companies, police departments, and government agencies. Aside from some flirtation GM made in the '90s and the occassional Chrysler attempt, Ford has had this market sewn up for 50 years. Also, the fleet Crown Victoria is proven to be able to take this kind of pounding. As much as I like the idea of Prius cabs, there's no way of knowing yet whether they can last the million+ miles a cab requires. Toyota and Honda produce brilliant cars for the average consumer, but cab companies require something far different from average.

gromit

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:51:01 -0600

I am symphathetic that everyone, including cabbies, are feeling a financial pinch. However, I believe the cabbies need to give some basic services in return. 1. Saying hello would be a good start. 2. Having the cab not smell of b.o. combined with a strong stawberry air freshener would also be nice. I've actually had to get out of a cab because of the smell. 3. Keep your cab clean. Please remove garbage from the little spot in the door handle, cups on the floor, etc. 4. Do not talk on the phone. By cab driver yesterday ran a stop sign while looking to see who was calling. 5. Do not argue with me with I give you a specific route. I don't care that you know a "faster way." You are not fooling me. I've lived here my whole life and I know the way I want to go. Besides, I am the customer. 6. When it's hotter than Hades here, please turn on your air conditioner. Don't tell me it's broken. 7. When and if I give you a tip, say "thank you." A tip is not a right. There are a few cabs that I have taken that have been exceptionally clean, the drivers very curteous, and obey the rules of the road. For that, I tip 20%. Just my two cents. If the cab fares are raised, I will definitely think twice about taking one. I may just have to get up earlier and take the bus, which opens up a whole 'nother can o' worms.

Albanyparkour

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:20:57 -0600

Let's get more bicycle lanes. Honest to god, what kind of prat says that? Woody Harrelson, hemp-wearing hippy-dippy nonsense. "Visual World Peace...MAAAN". YES, DUDE. We should have more bike lanes. The post was about cabs, which are a vital part of transportation in the city. Like bikes. Apples are not pears. To the point, I do think cab drivers should not be yammering on bluetooths and they should be more attentive. Many cab companies, yellow especially, are getting fuel efficient cars. The real trick is getting vehicles that can be fitted for cab service (partitions and such) and have room in the trunk (for luggage and bags) and room for passengers in the back. Not everyone can afford a Lincoln Town Car.

3dg

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:59:02 -0600

I understand gas is up, food is up, etc. But these guys need to STEP UP. Get off the GD phone! Clean your f****n cab. Say hello. Speak English. Say Thank you. LEARN LOCATIONS and learn how to drive safely. And how dare you just take your tip automatically. And while you're at it, take a shower once in a while.

Stealth

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:33:56 -0600

Without them, the ratings for 'BEZ would plummet...

literati

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:08:08 -0600

I've spent a good chunk of time in Los Angeles, and I've NEVER seen a cab there. I think those LA numbers are fictitious. Or else, they're paying more because of scarcity, like diamonds.

Von Erich

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:59:34 -0600

Well since, Matilda, I did not submit my comment to an energy panel, or city hall, my "anything is cheaper" comment was to focus on a $27,000 - 12 mpg boat roaring through downtown traffic. Perhaps I should have been specific. But again, I am in a comment section of a local blog. The wholesale and quick changeover has to do with these cars being long paid off, and being cash cows for the companies. I highly doubt there are leases seeing as the mileage surpasses the lease in one year, and half the garages on Devon and Clark are filled with cabs getting new transmissions and shocks. The drivers are responsible for their own gas, as well as their medallion, insurance, license, and whatever else the city tacks on. The city has to give the companies incentives. Incentives high enough that paid in full vehicles can be discarded for more efficient ones. But giving cab companies incentives is pretty hard right now seeing as the CTA has enough problems. As far as needing more facts, there will never be more facts. These drivers will not lower their fares if gas plummets, or if there is a changeover to more efficient vehicles. Like your boss, your grocer, and the plumber, all prices are because of gas and oil. It's a cheap excuse, or rather an overused. If they aren't happy driving, read through that Cisco Certification guide a little faster. These bastards will get higher fares, and I expect they will assume matching tips. The bluetooth bothers me, but I can't say I wouldn't be on one either if I had to hear how important the business guy is behind me, or the cackling teenagers going to Navy Pier, or the dry humping of some LP trixie and her VD provider on a saturday night. Go NPR!

ophmarketing

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:41:37 -0600

If I ever took a taxi anywhere, I might be concerned about this. As it is, though...meh.

artdude75

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:56:54 -0600

Let's get more bicycle lanes.

Tower18

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:46:57 -0600

Couple things: re: fares in New York...yes New York is slightly more expensive, but NYC cabs do not charge a fee for extra passengers. Also, NYC cabs have the credit card payment equipment with the passenger in the back, so you do not need the cabbie's "permission" to pay with credit, nor do you need to sit there for 10 minutes while the cabbie figures out how to work the credit card equipment. Regarding use of credit cards in Chicago, I think the only time I DON'T get hassled about paying with credit is to/from the airport. Try using credit for a $10 fare. With all the whining, you'd think you killed their dog. I've had many a cabbie take $5-6 cash over running my credit card for $10-12. Your choice, pal. Regarding cell phone use, Jesus Christ, who are they talking to? Half the time, I'd swear they're not on the phone, and then they just start talking out of nowhere for about 5 seconds, and then not another word for another 15 minutes. Must have been a rough night with the wife. In summation, give me NYC cabs any day. Chicago cabs are much more often broken down, non-standardized pieces of crap. In NY, you know what you're getting in a cab, because it's the law, and they enforce it. In Chicago, it's the law, but no one cares. Imagine that.

delta_

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:29:44 -0600

Well... This is pretty much a double edge sword. I pretty much stopped taking taxis anywhere. How do they expect to get any tips with prices soaring through the roof, and much less ever consider the people that are in the cabs are actually CLIENTS! I don't pay for you to be on the phone, talking to your friend, wife, ect... or paying your bill what have you. Cabs are crumby regardless. I've never had one ever to offer help getting luggage into the trunk, and always have difficulties when paying with a card (which, by the way, is a law). I think all cabs should be equipped with navigational GPS systems, and card machines in the back seat so your card number remains private. This will never happen though, neither will cab fares. Good luck cabbies, never get my business, or tips with fares rising like this.... wheres my raise?

Smokes

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:14:38 -0600

We knew that this would be coming, and pretty much unavoidable unless gas prices were to come down. (Which will never happen, so why bother) Curious though about the mention of tips going down due to the $1.00 surcharge. Just curious what most people tip? On a 7 dollar and spare change ride, I'll usually give a 10 and let them keep the change. Does that sound about right, or am I being cheap? My caveat is that if the driver is talking into a phone, I'll tip a buck, if any. I used to ask them to hang up while driving, but on more than one occasion, have had the driver tell me to get out. They got reported, but I dont' even hassle any more.

sasper

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:11:54 -0600

I take cabs weekly and almost always get a hard time about using a credit card. My policy is if their not on their cell phone, the cab smells fine, and they don't give me grief for my chosen method of payment, they get a 20%-30% tip. If they're on their phone, -5%. If it smells, -5%. If they give me grief about using a CC, -10%. Most early morning rides from downtown to the airport get 30% tip. Most in-town rides get 10% or less according to my above formula.

matilda

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:05:21 -0600

Mich: Yeah, often at the airports, but also in other parts of the city. I make sure before I get in that they know I will use a card, if that is the case.

Spook

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:05:10 -0600

Give em a raise, they aren't getting rich and just because they are at the bottom of the food chain is no reason why not too

Natalia1979

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:51:17 -0600

Well, soon enough, there won't be too many cab riders anyway. I agree with most of the posters, but I do not think that the cab drivers themselves have any say on PURCHASING a new fleet, but they do have say in how they are cared for. The gas guzzlers should have properly inflated tires and regular checkups at least. I hear that deflated tires actually increase the riders' fares so I have to be suspicious of drivers who don't take care of the simple things on tehir vehicle. I have to say that as it stands, I occasionally splurge on a cab ride home but if they raise the prices much more, I will not. Also, our cabs should NOT be more expensive than NYC. Maybe a match, but thats it.

matilda

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:50:11 -0600

Von Erich: That's interesting, but it hardly sheds light on what cabbies or their parent companies can do to replace the gas guzzlers. Does anyone know? Anything is cheaper than those cars and their fuel tanks that they use now. To say "anything is cheaper"--well, cheaper in what regard? How do cabbies buy their cars? What are the lease and/or ownership terms? What is the model at play for Chicago cab drivers? Clearly, there is something that prevents a wholesale and quick changeover to cars with more fuel efficiency. We need more facts.

mich

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:47:45 -0600

And I never really get any rude looks or remarks about credit card use. Where are you finding these cabbies? At the airport? that is the only time I havent been given grief for wanting to pay with a card.

Von Erich

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:43:59 -0600

"I wonder how much choice individual cabbies have in this. I honestly don't know how the lease structure works. But even if they have 100% choice--which I doubt--it can take a while to start a fleet replacement cycle, I would think, especially if greener cars are more expensive." Anything is cheaper than those cars and their fuel tanks that they use now. I was just reading about the new Chevy Volt and how NASCAR fans can't seem to part with the engine roar and smell of gas going by at 200 MPH. The problem with this is, if you have it under your foot, you'll use it. If you gave these cabbies a Honda Accord, or similar 4 cylinder 35+ mpg car that was not built with Ludicrous Speed, they might drive with a little less of a lead foot. And Toyotas have almost clown car capacity trunks for those trips to the airport.

Joe Blow

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:41:03 -0600

I've never taken a taxi for as long as I've lived here. There are so many easy ways to get around -- who needs 'em?!

matilda

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:35:47 -0600

Buyer beware--that is, ask before you ride what the fees are. Not that hard. Be a freaking active consumer. If something bad happens, report it. The number to call is easy to find in virtually all cabs. And I guess I am in the minority--most of my cab rides are uneventful, and the driver is happy to go exactly the route I tell him. And I never really get any rude looks or remarks about credit card use. Anecdotal, yes, but so are the rest of the comments. I mean, do we really need to ride around in those big Lincolns? especially since most of the time it's one rider, maybe two? I wonder how much choice individual cabbies have in this. I honestly don't know how the lease structure works. But even if they have 100% choice--which I doubt--it can take a while to start a fleet replacement cycle, I would think, especially if greener cars are more expensive.

JD84

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:28:25 -0600

Sorry Albany, I'm with UTV. I had a cabbie the other who didn't even know where he was going, taking us a few minutes out of the way. I tried to tell him, but he was too busy yapping in to his bluetooth. But with your comment of up front increases? Yes, please. I love sitting there watching the tally jump up and up due to silly things. Throw them in to the fare up front.

saffuc

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:24:52 -0600

If fuel is such a problem why aren't more cabbies dumping the gas guzzlers? I mean, do we really need to ride around in those big Lincolns? especially since most of the time it's one rider, maybe two? I would be much more okay with a fare increase if they were doing something on their end.

Albanyparkour

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:16:54 -0600

Fie upon your cabbie bashing UTV. If you have a bad experience you can, and should, call the city and the cab company. They do indeed take it seriously. I'd rather a flat, simple upfront increase rather than a bunch of dings coming from add-ons and surcharges and such. Keep it simple for the cabbie and the rider.

UTV

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:13:14 -0600

I'd be willing to pay more if I could find a cab ride that didn't end with me doing a twisted death grip on the door handles while the cabbie speeds through the bike lanes and screams into a bluetooth.