City takes on taxi fees, rider numbers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin City Council made a final decision Thursday night that could change how much you pay while riding in a taxi.

For late-night passengers who party too much, cab companies will be able to charge $100 if a person happens to vomit or emit any other bodily fluids inside a taxicab. This would replace the current ten-cent “drop fee.”

The Council also made the final move to change how many passengers are allowed to ride in a cab. The change will now allow limit the number of passengers to the number of seat belts.  Before, the ordinance only allowed four people per taxi, which upset local cab companies. They say it meant large groups had to split into more than one cab, even if that cab is a minivan.

Council also discussed cab licenses - which passed on the first reading. This item could increase the number of cabs in the city. The proposals on the table affect two companies and would mean 45 more vehicles.