Taxi drivers asking for help with gas

Charles Moore, spokesman for Beachside Diamond Taxi said business in Myrtle Beach is suffering and they want city council members to do something about it.
 
Moore said Tuesday, a group of cab company owners are going to ask myrtle beach city council members for a meter increase to help pay for the cost of fuel.

Drivers are asking for a meter increase across the board rather than a surcharge because they said that is what will be fair for everybody, especially people who live here.

“They go to the grocery store, they go to work they don’t have their own transportation and its small trips if you tack two dollars on the each trip you’re talking like a two dollar and ninety cent trip almost doubles to four dollars and ninety cent and that’s every little place they go.“ said Moore.

Taxi drivers said if council approves the ten cent per 1/8 of a mile fare increase; it will help taxi drivers whose fuel costs have doubled since last year.

Drivers said they are also trying to cut back on fuel costs by staying in one area, like at the airport, rather than driving around.

They are also keeping their windows down and not running the air conditioner as much.

City spokesman Mark Kruea told News13 council members expected to hear from taxi drivers sooner about a fuel surcharge.
   
Council members are scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon to talk about adding the fuel surcharge.