With gas prices on the rise, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance hasn't been quiet about wanting to discuss a fare hike with the TLC. And now they've announced exactly what they are hoping for. In addition to the already discussed $.10 rate increase for stuck traffic (from $.40 to $.50 per minute) and a per-mile increase from $2 to $2.40, they are also asking for a $1 morning rush hour commute surcharge and an increase in the flat rate for trips between Manhattan and JFK from $45 to $55.
"With higher gas prices and higher cab lease prices, drivers' earnings are below a livable wage and below the minimum wage after working a 12-hour shift," NYTWA's Executive Director Bhairavi Desai complained at a rally yesterday. At the same event she elaborated "2004 incomes paying for 2011 expenses is going to take anybody deeper into poverty, especially when you already earn below minimum wage."
The TLC has said it will carefully consider the proposal but has given no time frame for when it will make a final decision. On the one hand, we can sympathize with the the hacks who work incredibly long hours at a high-stress job for little pay. But on the other hand? We'd be much happier to support a fare hike if every other cab we hail in Manhattan didn't try and refuse to take us to the outer boroughs.
