Valley taxicab drivers are feeling the pinch of high gas prices.

"I'm paying about $110 a day in gas. A few months ago, I was paying about $50 or $60 a day," said cabbie Tom Holbrook.

He charges $2.50 a mile except for some of his regular customers whom he calls "personals."

"People who call me on a regular basis and go on long runs," he said. "I let them go for under $50."

Another cabbie refuses to worry about $4-a-gallon gas.

"You can't worry about the gas prices," he said. "If you do, you're not going to make any money. That's just life, that's how it goes. So you just try a little harder."

Cab drivers can charge whatever they want, as long as the rate is posted on the door in full view. The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures makes sure taxis are insured.

Holbrook said he doesn't take calls much any more.

"I don't take them unless they're about a mile or two away. I go to spots like downtown and I get flags."

"Flags" are customers who flag him down on the street. Holbrook's favorite hangouts include the airport, the Greyhound bus station, shopping malls and Chase Field.

 http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=891889