SEATTLE — Taxicab rates are rising in the Seattle suburbs as well as within the city.
The King County Council approved an increase of 50 cents a mile for a total of $2.50 a mile today, matching action by the Seattle City Council in July.
The County Council also agreed with the city to let cabbies charge in half-minute increments for waiting time — 25 cents for each 30 seconds, rather than 50 cents a minute. That applies when a taxi waits at a rider’s request or is stuck in traffic.
According to County Council staff, fuel costs rose by 29.3 percent and insurance rates by almost 16 percent in the year that ended in July.
It’s the first fare increase for taxis in the county since 2005. Both sets of fare hikes take effect Oct. 1.
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