Taxi fares in St. Paul would increase under a proposal being considered by the St. Paul City Council.
Officials say fares were last adjusted in 2008 and cab owners have been asking for an increase to cover higher insurance and gas costs. New radio systems, which must be implemented by the end of the year, are also driving costs up, so to speak.
The proposal, which will get a second hearing today at the city council meeting and a Nov. 7 public hearing, calls for a $2.75 per mile rate, up from the current $2.20.
That's also the per-mile rate in Minneapolis and at the airport; city officials say uniformity in the region and an effort "to minimize public confusion" are also factors in the proposed increase, according to the analysis by city inspections department.
Other parts of the proposal:
- Increase the minimum fare to $6, up from $5
- Eliminate “hourly rates” deemed no longer relevant
- Require taxicab fares be reviewed every three years.