Twelve Percent Taxi Fare Increase In Effect Starting May 11

By Sam Bakken in News on Apr 7, 2005 11:46PM

The Chicago City Council unanimously passed the dreaded 12 percent increase in cab fares on Wednesday. Cab meters will begin to reflect the increase on May 11. If you haven't memorized it by now, the increase will bring the initial charge for entering a cab up to $2.25 from $1.90, the rate per mile to $1.80 from $1.60 and the charge for a second passenger to $1.00 from $0.50. ABC7 reports that the increase will make Chicago's cab fares the ninth most expensive in the nation.

There hasn't been an increase in Chicago's taxi fares for five years, and many cabdrivers are saying it's about time. But they're quick to point out that 12 percent isn't enough when gas prices have nearly doubled.

The ordinance also institutes a "three strikes and you're out" policy for cabbies that don't keep a clean cab. If a cabbie gets three cleanliness complaints within a year, they will be pulled in for a special inspection and fined if they don't pass it. If you encounter a cabbie you want to report, fill out this PDF form and e-mail or fax it to the Department of Consumer Services' Complaints Division.