Philly taxi rates to rise?
Most segments of the taxi industry joined together today to press for rate increase that would boost the cost of the average cab ride in Philadelphia from $9.15 to $9.87.
Most segments of the taxi industry joined together today to press for rate increase that would boost the cost of the average cab ride in Philadelphia from $9.15 to $9.87.
But one group representing about 1,200 drivers who do not own their cars or medallions opposed the proposed hike, saying they feared the money would end up in the pockets of owners and scare away riders.
The positions were spelled out this morning at a public hearing that was dominated by industry voices.
One speaker arguing for the consumer was city Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lance Haver, who urged the Philadelphia Parking Authority to find ways for the industy to cut costs and increase revenues.
Among the measures he recommended were renegotiating the 5 percent fee charged for every credit card transaction and getting rid of the GPS system.
Taxi operators say the GPS system is expensive to maintain and that when the system is down their meters don't work.
The hearing replaced one tentatively scheduled for Feb. 1 in public notices published Dec. 7.
The PPA is considering a proposal to increase the initial "flag drop" charge from $2.30 to $2.70 and the charge per mile from $2.10 to $2.30, or from 30 cents per 1/7 mile to 23 cents per 1/10 mile, effective March 15. Waiting time would increase from $20 per hour to $22 per hour, or from 30 cents every 54 seconds to 23 cents every 37.6 seconds.
The Airport flat rate would increase from $26.25, which includes a $1.25 fuel surcharge, to $28.50, without a fuel surcharge.
Taxi industry officials cited cost of living increases, mandatory acceptance of credit cards, and rising gasoline prices in supporting the rate increase.
The authority must improve the rate increase, the first since October 2005, when fuel surcharges were added to rates that went into effect three months earlier. Those new rates were the first in 14 years. There is no set deadline to approve the current proposal.
