Are NYC Taxi Fares Going Up?

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has been hearing testimony about possible taxi fare hikes.

The board votes Thursday on a proposed plan that would increase the average fare by 17 percent.

Drivers and owners gave most of the testimony at a hearing Monday.

Most agreed on the need for a fare hike. But disagreement arose over another issue.  This proposal, if passed, would not increase the leasing fee paid by drivers.

Michael Woloz of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade says giving drivers a break would burden fleet owners, who already have a lot of expenses.

Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance lined the back of the room holding signs saying they should not have to pay more.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)