Supervisors propose taxi fuel surcharge
Taxi fares could increase, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a $2 surcharge to make up for soaring gas prices.
On July 7, the board authorized a public hearing to consider an emergency ordinance for a per-trip taxicab surcharge of up to $2. The ordinance would be in effect from June 29 through Dec. 29. The hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 28. Sign up to speak at the hearing here.
In April, the board adopted an emergency ordinance for a $1 surcharge, but that ordinance expired June 11.
“As gasoline prices increase, drivers absorb greater costs,” states a background document on the proposed ordinance. “With retail gas prices in Fairfax County now averaging $4.734 per gallon, taxicab drivers incur additional monthly expenses of $295, or $3,544 per year.”
The document says it’s vital to retain taxi drivers, as taxicabs provide transportation for students and other people with disabilities.
Depending on what happens with gas prices in the coming months, county staff could recommend the surcharge be rescinded before Dec. 29 or extend it beyond that date.
So by charging consumers more they expect consumers to want to keep using those services and keep more drivers. Is Fairfax county subsidizing our fuel to justify these taxes? This board is a joke and needs to be voted out.