Council backs taxi gas surcharge

By David Freedlander | dfreedlander@am-ny.com

6:09 PM EDT, July 23, 2008

Members of the City Council called on the Taxi and Limousine Commission yesterday to institute a $1 gas surcharge on all fares as long as the price of gasoline stays above $3.50 a gallon.

"We understand the challenges taxi drivers face at the pump, and we stand united in our support for drivers," said Councilwoman Diana Reyna (D-Brooklyn), who is sponsoring a resolution in the council.

Taxi fares are set by the TLC, which earlier this month rejected a surcharge.

"We already see passengers asking drivers why they aren't getting a surcharge," said Bhairavi Desai, the head of Taxi Workers Alliance. "The public understands. It's just the TLC that doesn't get it."