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The New York Taxi Workers Alliance says it's asking the Taxi and Limousine Commission for a fare increase.

"When you consider the rates have stayed the same, but our expenses have gone up it basically, mathematically, means drivers are paying for that increase out of pocket," said Bhairavi Desai of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

Under the proposal, the per-mile metered rate would rise from $2 to $2.50 a mile.
Additionally, the stopped or slow traffic rate would rise from 40 cents per minute to 50 cents.

The $2.50 base fare would not be affected.

"Anything would help, 50 cents of course. If they raise it that's good. I think customers would be all right with that," said one city cab driver.

"People won't pay more money because people have no money," said another.

TLC Chairman David Yassky said he understands that when gas hits $4.50 a gallon it can be hard for the drivers to pay the rent and put food on the table.

He said he will consider the request.

Meanwhile, cabbies say they are still angry at the 50-cent surcharge they started collecting in 2009 for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority -- a publicly funded agency. They say that surcharge felt like a hike to passengers and may have cost them tips.

The last official fare hike came in 2004.