Taxi Cab Rates Increase About 10% in LA

A taxi cab on Hollywood Blvd. at Vine St. | Photo by Tom Andrews/LAist

Today, the Department of Transportation announced new and more costly taxi cab rates, something that has not changed since 2006. Rates will be increasing by approximately 10% due in part to rise in fuel prices and will become effective later this week. Here's the lowdown on the new (and the old):

• Drop Charge: $2.85 for the first 1/9th Mile (was $2.65 for the first 1/7th mile)
  
• Distance Charge: $0.30 for each additional 1/9th mile or $2.70 per mile (was $2.45 per mile)
  
• Waiting or Time Delay Charge: $0.30 for each 37 seconds waiting time or traffic delay equivalent to $29.19 per hour (was $26.53 per hour)
  
• Airport Surcharge: $2.50 surcharge for trips originating at the Los Angeles International Airport - LAX (no change)
  
• Airport to Downtown Flatrate: $46.50 flat fare for taxicab trips between LAX and Downtown Los Angeles, plus the Airport Surcharge for trips originating at LAX (was $42.00)
  
• Minimum Airport Fee: $15.00 minimum airport fare per trip (group), plus any applicable Airport Surcharge for taxicab trips originating at LAX (no change)

A few weeks ago in a pilot program, it became legal for taxis in parts of Downtown and Hollywood to pull over at most curbs when hailed.