New York Cab Fare Could Increase By 17 Percent: Taxi And Limousine Commission To Hold Vote

Rumors from this spring that cab fares are increasing for the first time in six years are close to confirmation.

With the new proposal from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, cab fares will rise 17% as each fifth of a mile will increase from 40 cents to 50 cents. This won't have too much of an impact on short distances, but will greatly impact longer distances (and cab driver's overall pay). Cabs to JFK, for example, will be $52 plus toll costs.

The TLC is expected approve the proposal Thursday and the increase could go into effect as soon as September.

Gothamist spoke to members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance about the hike:

Longtime driver Julio Gomez agreed to speak with us at the hearing after we promised we weren't reporters from the NY Post, explaining that the tabloid is "anti-yellow cab." Regarding the fare hike, Gomez said, "It's not enough. We need more money. We haven't had a raise in eight years, and after waiting this long, we should get 25%. And if we don't get it, we should go on strike! Surprise attacks! One day we refuse to drive to Port Authority, another day we boycott JFK airport. We will park our cars and make sure not one cab goes there." Asked what else he'd like to see change, Gomez said simply, "The mayor."