Fines against taxi drivers who skip passengers to go up

Cab drivers who refuse passengers or overcharge them are going to be paying higher fines.

The City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to increase the maximum fine from $350 to $500 for a first offense and from $500 to $1,000 for a second offense in a two-year period.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected to sign the legislation, which is meant to deter illegal, discriminatory practices by some drivers.

"Too often in this city, people are denied a cab ride because of what they look like or where in the city they're going," Transportation Chair James Vacca said in a statement. "The stories are too many and have gone on for too long."