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New Taxi Fare Sticker 11-1-09
Yep, your NYC taxi trip is now going to cost you another $.50 starting November 1st. Remember how New York State did a bailout back in the spring so that the MTA fare increases went from $2 to $2.25 instead of going up to $2.50? Well, part of that bailout is a new law in New York State that adds a 50-cent “State Surcharge” to all NYC taxi trips, effective on November 1, 2009.
That’s the new fare sticker above. You’ll notice that the sticker shows a $3.00 initial fare. The TLC is the first one to emphasize that it has not changed the initial fare from $2.50 but it has been asked by NYC to “collect and pass on” the surcharge. The new sticker includes the additional $.50 surcharge in the initial fare so that it all fits nicely on the sticker.
Don’t forget about the other surcharges that you’ll get on your taxi rides:
$.50 surcharge at night between 8pm and 6am
$1.00 surcharge Monday through Friday from 4pm – 8pm
PS. Something interesting to think about — should your tip for the driver be based on the fare BEFORE the $.50 surcharge is added?
First, thanks for making the distinction between the fare and the collection of a state-imposed tax. It is true, the TLC has not raised the taxi fare, which continues to remain at $2.50. Just to clarify, however, it is the taxicab owner that must “collect and pass on” the surcharge to the NYS Derpartment of Taxation & Finance. The NYC TLC does not collect or forward any of this money.
Allan — that’s helpful to know, thanks. We did have some people write in to ask if they should be tipping on this new surcharge, since it’s a NYS fee and has nothing to do with the TLC or the taxicab owner. Does the TLC have an opinion on this?
Thats a shame about the taxis, my favourite view in New York is Capman’s Point.