I, ________, support the proposal by the United Taxidrivers Community Council for the Chicago City Council to grant a fare increase to the cab drivers of Chicago.

Whereas, Chicago cabdrivers have not have a fare increase since 2006;

And, lease rates, gas prices, and general costs of living and doing business as a cabdriver have increased substantially;

And, the economic downturn of 2008 resulted in a 20-40% loss of ridership in Chicago which has never fully recovered;

And, new transportation opportunities such as “rideshare” applications like Lyft, Sidecar and UberX, DIVVY Bikes and an increase in suburban taxis working in Chicago have had a negative impact on ridership for Chicago taxis in Chicago;

And, Taxi Fare Finder indicates Chicago average cab fares have slipped to 31st place in comparison to other major US cities;

And, the Taxi Industry in Chicago has suffered a significant exodus of working drivers in the last several years due to a variety of reasons, mostly economic, to the extent that the City has held “Taxi driver Recruitment Days” at Chicago City Colleges in the last year;

And, the subsequent scarcity of cabdrivers working in Chicago has caused undue economic hardship on the Medallion owners, and has resulted in a negative impact on the tax base and economy of Chicago;

And, Chicago is the second largest economic engine in North America;

And, the Chicago Taxi Industry is a major component of the transportation infrastructure supporting that economy.

We believe Chicago cabdrivers deserve a fare increase with the following proposal;

That the “flag pull” remains at $3.25, which holds sixth place in comparison with other major US cities;

That the charge per mile increase by thirty three percent, from $1.80 per mile to $2.40 per mile;

And, that the wait time increase by twenty-five percent to $0.20 per thirty seconds;

And, that the “additional passenger” charge be increased to $1.00 per person.

Having the result that Chicago fares would place Chicago at the fifth spot in comparison to other major US cities, between San Diego and Rochester, New York.