Cabbies Want a Buck Surcharge Per Ride

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Aug 18, 2005 12:00PM

Remember a few months ago when cab fares were increased? Well, apparently, it wasn't enough. Chicago cab drivers are now saying that the price of gas is killing them and that passengers need to chip in an extra dollar per ride to help them out.

The cabbies say that the increase in gas prices has wiped out the 12% fare increase they got back in May and they're asking the city to instate a gas surcharge. They say it's so bad that a driver can work an 18 hours and take home very little cash.

The City does have the authority to add a gas surcharge but say they need to do more research before the decide if the situation warrants it. If they did add on a surcharge it would most likely only last for 60 days. An NBC5 online poll shows that most of us think that cab drivers have already gotten a raise and just need to suck it up right now.

Also stinging from gas prices, the CTA reports it's already surpassed its fuel budget. They're looking for ways to save on fuel costs.. hopefully they won't propose a bus ride surcharge!

Image via ABC7