Cab drivers demanding fare increase

May 16, 2007 (WLS) -- Chicago's cab drivers are looking for a fare increase. They say soaring gasoline prices are driving them out of business and they want Chicago's City Council to help. Cabbies are calling on aldermen to approve two increases to ease the pain at the gas pump.

They want a 25 percent increase on the meter, plus a temporary $1 surcharge added to fares. Some cabbies say without an increase they may not be able to stay behind the wheel.

For drivers, at the very best of times, making financial ends meet in the taxi business is a combination of long hours and luck. Now, with gas prices around $3.50 per gallon or more around the region, cabbies say they are feeling the pinch like never before. And, they say, they have to pass on their costs to consumers -- just like others in the transportation business.

"To offset the gas prices drivers are working two or three extra hours per day. They were working 10-12, now they are working 14-16 hours. This is going to take a toll on their body," said Dani India, cab driver.

"Well, for now it is really tough for us. We take our time to make our lease and it is difficult," said James Aweh, cab driver.

That's the cab drivers view these days about gas prices and what they're doing to the people caught in the middle of an economic system vital to a big city.

"I sympathize with the cost of gas because it is getting ridiculous because it is getting ridiculous. I am a Metra commuter and I can't imagine having to drive for a living," said a woman.

But talk to people on the street and nobody wants to pay more.

"I don't think we should have to pay. Maybe if the prices go down. I don't think we should have to pay an additional one dollar, especially not for the service anyways," said a woman.

The proposed increases would come on top of a 12 percent hike the city council authorized two years ago.

"Those things in our society where we are buying human services those prices are going to increase," said Siim Soot, UIC urban transportation professor.

In a survey published last year, Chicago cab fares ranked 18th in the nation based on an average US cab trip. It would cost $12.70. In New York that trip was $13.10. In St. Louis, $14.30; Los Angeles, $15.00; and Boston, $15.45. Topping the list was Honolulu at $19.75.

A $1 surcharge and 25 percent meter increase would still keep Chicago out of the top 10.

Cab fare policy is a tricky political football. Alderman Tom Allen chairs the council transportation committee and predicts the cabbie clamor will subside if and when gas prices fall.

"We are trying to be creative in addressing this issue, but at the same time, with the volatility of gas prices you think you have the problem under control and it explodes again," said Ald. Tom Allen Chair, transportation committee.

ABC7 talked to a lot of cab drivers behind the wheel, and the Chicago Professional Taxi Drivers Association is threatening some kind of job action, soon, if a fare hike isn't granted. In 1997, cab drivers staged a one-day strike and nearly 80 percent of them participated.

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