CHICAGO CAB DRIVERS' WISH LIST - 22% Fare Hike, Vomit Fee!
BOTH NOT LIKELY TO BE APPROVED BY CITY OF CHICAGO DUE TO TOUGH ECONOMY!
In recessionary times, virtually every industry and profession takes some sort of a hit. Chicago Taxi Cab Drivers are no exception. They have seen their costs escalate, as the price of a tank of gas and the cost of maintaining their cabs remains high.
But the only fare relief they have had since 2005 is a $1.00 per ride surcharge due to the high cost of fuel.
Indeed, according to a study completed by University of Illinois Professor Robert Bruno, as reported by Hal Dardick in today's Chicago Tribune, the average taxi driver in Chicago took home less than $5.00 per hour, after deducting gasoline, maintenance, lease fees, insurance, and other expenses.
Now, Chicago Cab Drivers are asking the Chicago City Council to approve a 22% Fare Increase, and to add additional charges for things like fares paid by credit cards, or cabs sent by telephone dispatch.
They are also looking to add a Vomit Removal Fee of $50!
Some might scoff at this, until they realize that such an occurrence can put the cab out of commission for an hour or more while the cabbie cleans and freshens his back seat for other passengers.
In total, the cabbies are asking for increases in several customary cab charges. They want to increase the "Flag Pull," or the flat fee at the start of a ride, to $2.75, from the current $2.25. Under their proposal, the per-mile fee would go up $0.30, to $1.80 per mile.
Other fees that would be added if the proposal is approved - a $1.50 charge for using a credit card to pay a fare, a $1.00 addition for phone dispatch of the cab, and $1.00 for fares to and from McCormick Place, the largest exhibition facility in the City of Chicago.
At City Hall, most alderman were noncommittal to the cabbies' proposal, although several showed sympathy for the cabbie's situation. Tom Allen, Alderman of the 38th Ward on the North Side of Chicago, noted driver testimony that the number of rides per driver has decreased markedly during the recession, as fewer tourists and business visitors have come to Chicago. Many of those who do come take fewer cab rides to save money, many opting to walk, or take the CTA.
Norma Reyes, the Chicago Commissioner of Business Affairs, feels that customers will not support such a big increase when every dollar counts.
A fare compromise possible? Stay tuned!
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
