Columbus cabdrivers seek fare increase

COLUMBUS (AP) -- Cabdrivers are urging city council to approve a fare increase -- the first in six years -- to keep up with rising gas prices.
Cabdrivers and members of the Vehicle for Hire Board, which regulates cabs for the city, asked the council Thursday to raise the initial starting fee from $2 to $2.75 and to increase fares from 40 cents to 45 cents for every two-ninths of a mile driven.
The council, which must approve an increase, last granted one in 2000, when gas was $1.40 a gallon, about half what it is now. Last month, Cleveland approved a temporary cab fare increase, also citing higher gas prices.
"Virtually every citizen understands that the price of fuel, automobiles, insurance and parts increases by the year and it is not possible for a business to survive without the ability to adjust prices," Bradley Frick, a member of the Vehicle for Hire Board, told the council.
Council members did not object to the proposal and are expected to vote on it Monday. An increase would take effect 30 days later.
"This is a very appropriate and important increase," Councilman Mike Mentel said.
Cabdrivers also asked the council to designate more downtown areas where drivers can wait for passengers. Drivers are often slapped with $35 tickets for waiting or driving too slowly as they look for fares, said James Stofer, president of the Yellow Cab Co.