Fare Hike For San Francisco Cabs?

Aug. 7 - KGO (KGO) -- One of the industries hardest hit by rising gas prices is the taxicab industry. In San Francisco, cab drivers provide 40,000 to 50,000 trips per day. Now the city's chief accountant is suggesting it's time to hike fares.

San Francisco has some of the highest taxi fares in the nation, ahead of Los Angeles and New York, but behind Oakland and San Jose. The city regulates the rates and with gas prices soaring, what you pay might go up. The idea is to compensate cabbies who pay for their own fuel.

Laslo Mereciy, cab driver: "Gasoline is lot of money, going around $30 to $40 for one shift."

Taxi fares in San Francisco haven't increased since January of 2003, while gasoline costs have soared by 97-percent, going from $1.65 a gallon to $3.20 a gallon according to the city controller.

Todd Rydstrom, San Francisco Controller's Office: "Gas is such a significant component of a taxi driver's daily costs that we thought it was really warranted that we put in a recommendation."

The controller's office is recommending a fare increase of 25 cents a mile, but some cabbies believe a hike will drive customers away.

Jack Aung, cab driver: "Most San Franciscans, general public, they won't be able to afford taxi fare because it's very expensive."

It's estimated between 50 and 70-percent of customers are tourists. Some drivers don't think raising rates will hurt business.

Alex Beresnev, cab driver: "The economy is not bad right now. If people need cabs, they'll take cabs regardless."

Kathy Funston, San Francisco resident: "The fare increase is fair 'cause the price of gas has gone up, but I'm saying there are alternatives."

More than one person pointed out the city's car share program as an alternative to cabs. For those who use taxis, a hearing is expected on the controller's report.

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