Results tagged “taxicab”

Amid all the debates about CTA funding and fare increases, we haven’t been paying all that much attention to taxi prices. Many will remember that, on April 28, cab companies were allowed to add a $1 surcharge to offset the high costs of gas, but taxi drivers say that isn’t enough. Not only have gas prices risen 75 cents (or more) a gallon since the surcharge was added, but the surcharge has had some unexpected consequences. Prateek Sampat, spokesman for the United Taxi Drivers Community Council, claims that drivers’ tips have decreased as a result of the added $1 charge. Perhaps the prominently displayed sign has irritated riders? Also, Sampat says, the price of everything has increased in the last year and cab drivers cannot make ends meet. more ›