It's costing more and more to get around town these days. CTA fares, parking rates and gas prices have all increased this year. And now it's a bit more expensive to take a cab as well.
At an average of $2.76 per gallon for regular gas, Chicago's fuel prices are the highest in the nation. To help relieve some of the cost on cab drivers, a 50-cent surcharge on taxicab fares returns at noon Monday.
The surcharge, imposed by the City Council, takes effect whenever the price of gas equals or exceeds $2.70 per gallon for seven consecutive business days. According to Consumer Services and Business Affairs Commissioner Norma Reyes, gas hit $2.70 on Friday.
"It looks like a week from [yesterday] would be the day," Reyes told the Sun-Times. "I think people are expecting it. We've already been notifying the industry that this is coming."
Look for an orange sign displayed in the seating area of the cab announcing the surcharge. If it's not there, the driver can't collect the extra fee.
Experts say that the surge in gasoline prices should end soon.
Matt Bartosik is the editor of Off the Rocks' next issue and a "between blogs" blogger.
