The price hike was among a flurry of moves the council made before breaking for summer recess. Other last-minute activity included approval of a new Police Department at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and stiffer penalties for fireworks violations.

The council sets rates for taxi cabs in the city. And with retail gas prices climbing above $4 a gallon, Kelley said council wanted to help cab drivers offset rising fuel costs and maintain regular taxi service in Cleveland.

"The taxi drivers lease their cars, and the gas comes out of their wallets," Kelley said.

Last month, cab drivers petitioned the council for relief. But a disappointed Marc Steffans, acting president of the Greater Cleveland Taxi Association drivers' group, said Monday that he was hoping for more. His organization proposed a $1-per-ride hike on trips less than five miles and a $2-per-ride increase on trips of five miles or more.

"It's like a Band-Aid on a bullet hole," Steffans said of the council's solution.

Kelley said the $1-per ride hike was the "fastest way to do something for them before the summer recess."

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/06/cab_fare_raised_1perride_for_t.html