City Council approves cleanup fee for taxi passengers, mulls additional surcharge

Kargbo said he supports a night surcharge, but not the recommended amount. He suggested a $1 charge per rider instead, in order to stay competitive in the market. He said it would benefit both the drivers and passengers and be more consistent with other cities such as San Antonio, Houston and Galveston, who charge the $1 per passenger fee at night.

Kargo said the $2.50 flat fee could drive riders to take other forms of transportation and expressed concerns for low-income passengers. He also mentioned that the other two franchises, Lone Star Cab and Austin Cab Company, support the $1 fee.

Johnson said ATDA supports any fee increase at night, whether it's the $2.50 flat fee or $1 per passenger.

She further stated that whichever fee increase would have the best chance at the quickest implementation may be best so it is in place by March for events like the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference.

Johnson also expressed disagreement with the concern that the $2.50 fee would affect low-income riders.

"I don't feel folks are going to the doctor's office or grocery store between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m," Johnson said.

Councilwoman Kathie Tovo echoed that sentiment, while Councilman Chris Riley spoke in favor of the $1 per rider fee. However, he suggested allowing the Urban Transportation Committee to weigh in on the proposal.

According to Riley, if the $2.50 flat fee was added, Austin would have highest base fee for a single rider in Texas.

The council voted to replace the $2.50 flat surcharge with the $1 per passenger fee increase but to allow time for the UTC to provide input. Tovo was the lone "no" vote, stating that she supports the original proposal.

The council will consider the proposal at its Feb. 2 meeting.