Cab fares increasing to cover higher gas prices

Soaring gas prices led the Norfolk City Council to raise cab fares last week, and the Virginia Beach council is expected to approve an increase tonight.

Increased towing fees are also being contemplated in both cities.

With gas prices rising to about $4 per gallon today from $2.85 per gallon a year ago, cab and tow truck drivers have been lobbying for rate increases.

A presentation given to the Norfolk City Council two weeks ago documented what the increases will mean in each city.

In Norfolk, a 1-mile cab ride will increase to roughly $4.80 from $4.25 and a 10-mile trip to about $23.70 from $20, city officials said. In Virginia Beach, a 1-mile trip would increase to about $5.35 from $4 and a 10-mile trip to $26.95 from $22.

Chesapeake, Suffolk and Portsmouth are not yet planning any fare increases.

Moe Trombley, a driver for Andy's Taxi Group in Norfolk, began a one-man campaign to get Norfolk's cab fares increased in late May. Because cab drivers pay for their own gas, there has been no push from cab companies for fare increases, he said.

He said he contacted Assistant City Manager Stanley A. Stein, who told him whom to contact at City Hall and how to present his case. Trombley spoke at a City Council meeting accompanied by a large group of cab drivers.

"I knew nothing about the halls of government, but my experience was wonderful," he said. "The city responded very quickly."

Less than two months after his initial appearance before the council, the rate increase was passed. Although the city adopted a $1 per ride fuel charge several years ago, this was the first general rate increase since 1999, he said.

"If I drive 100 miles with this increase, it gives me about $35 more per day," he said. "It makes up for the increase in gas, and I can buy milk and bread."

Tow-truck drivers, who use diesel fuel, now priced at close to $5 per gallon, will also receive rate relief in Norfolk. The council is scheduled tonight to raise several fees, including the charge for towing most smaller and mid-sized cars to $125 per tow from $105.

Those rates apply to cars parked illegally, parked on private property without permission or involved in accidents.

Virginia Beach may consider an increase in towing charges, said Barry Shockley, a city staff liaison to the Towing Advisory Board. The board will meet to discuss the issue later this month. The City Council could hear rate recommendations in August.

"We can look at the pumps and all agree, it's costing us all more to be on the road now," Shockley said.

Staff writers Richard Quinn, Jen McCaffery, Dave Forster and Mike Saewitz contributed to this story.

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com