NEW YORK - Drivers of yellow taxis and their supporters are expressing concern about a new state surcharge that will drive up the price of a ride in January.

When the $2.50 surcharge takes effect on New Year's Day, it will cost riders $5.80 just to sit inside a cab.

The so-called "congestion fee" was approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature and is meant to fund mass transit.

The fee will be added to the other initial charges that go to drivers, the MTA, and to put more wheelchair accessible cars on the streets.

But some taxi drivers fear the new fee will scare off passengers and hurt their bottom line.

Yellow taxis also charge riders a $1 surcharge for rides between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and a 50 cent night fee from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

App-based ride hails like Uber and Lyft will be required to implement a $2.75 fee for regular trips and 75 cents for carpool trips.

The higher $2.75 surcharge will also apply to the city's green cabs.