Chicago cabbies seek fare increase

Claiming a $1-per-ride surcharge hasn't help them much, Chicago taxi drivers plan to petition City Hall for a 16 percent fare increase.

United Taxidrivers Community Council spokesman Prateek Sampat says the surcharge, which was adopted to help offset rising gasoline prices, has meant a decline in tips for drivers.

The price of gas has jumped by 75 cents a gallon or more at times since the $1 surcharge went into effect April 28.

Sampat said the surcharge is not even close to covering the needs of drivers. He said the problem is not just the increase in gas prices that is hurting cabbies. He said the cost of living in general is hurting drivers.

The United Taxidrivers Community Council plans to present its petitions to Chicago officials on Wednesday.