Limo Hire Fuel Surcharges

It seems like a case of déjà vu. Gas prices go up, and New York cabdrivers demand a surcharge — in this case, $1 a trip. But, the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, is refusing to allow cabbies to charge customers the impost. Just as it did three years ago

However, New York did raise taxi fares two years ago, which helped drivers’ incomes in the short term. Now, that the price of staying on the road has quickly climbed to more than $4 a gallon at area stations, drivers are again feeling the pinch. According to drivers’ advocates, costs have risen as much as $1,000 a month for some drivers. The issue is less pressing for those who own and operate one of the few hundred hybrid cabs in the 13,000-vehicle fleet. The fleet is to be completely hybrid by 2012, but for now, most cabs are Ford Crown Victorias, which get, at best, 15 miles a gallon in city driving.

Short of a fuel surcharge, the city could help by creating taxi stands where cabs and riders could meet, saving drivers gas they now expend cruising for fares. It would spare everyone the extra tailpipe emissions, too. This is something that should be done anyway. So far, nearly a dozen other cities have allowed surcharges averaging about $1.50 a ride. To outsiders, New York City might seem stingy and a little mean-spirited by comparison.

But New York’s taxi passengers have endured much over the years, and if a surcharge is to be considered, they should get improved service in return. The condition of cabs is certainly better than two decades ago; most are clean and comfortable, as mandated. But drivers have resisted compliance with another regulation - that they not use their cell phones, even hands-free, while driving.

Maybe the commission should have a heart and reconsider the $1 surcharge. In fact, many limo hire companies already include a fuel surcharge with the cost of a limo hire, and customers seem willing to pay it. Is this because they offer better service and people are willing to pay for it? Limousine operators know that they have to be competitive to make hiring a limo affordable, yet they can’t skimp on quality and service. Perhaps, the commission knows that, in order to justify a surcharge, the paying public demand a better level of service from taxi operators.


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