Apr 28, 2008 5:58 am US/Central
Cab Fares Go Up A Buck Per Ride
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The cost of a cab, like almost everything else these days, is going up in Chicago. CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports that a new gas surcharge goes into effect Monday.
The City Council approved the $1 surcharge earlier this month, so don't be surprised when it goes into effect on Monday; $1 will be added to all rides.
Many cab drivers say they could use the relief from rising fuel prices. Starting Monday, the driver will push the button on the meter that adds $1 at the start of every ride. The ordinance allows the surcharge when gas exceeds $3.20 a gallon for seven consecutive business days.
The surcharge goes away if gas falls below $2.70 a gallon for seven consecutive days. That sounds like a lot for customers to keep track of but gas has been high enough for the surcharce since early March. Cab drivers are ready.
Idowu Oshokoya said, "We're not making that much money on this. I mean, it's going to help us because the city, they don't care about the cab business."
Bogdar Drela said, "It's one extra dollar, so from three fares we can buy a gallon, that's it. It's okay, it helps."
The last time cab fares were raised was 2005, but gas prices averaged about $2.20 per gallon back then.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
