Taxi Drivers Feeling Pain At The Gas Pumps

As gas prices continue to climb, local taxi drivers continue to suffer.

“Once it hits over $3, it really affects us,” said Eric Seidelmann, an 8-year cab driver.

Seidelmann said most drivers spend about $35 each day because they have to return their cars with a full tank. Plus, they still have to deduct the vehicle leasing fees and airport fees.

At the end of the day, they’re cleaned out. “There are some days you’re lucky if you take home $11-$12,” said Terry Tapp, an 11-year cab driver.

Seidelmann spent $156 last week on gas. He took home $350. “It was a fair week. Not a good week,” he said.

Some drivers are saving costs by avoiding “deadheads.” If they pick up a passenger at the airport and drive them to the east valley, they will remain in the east valley until they can pickup another passenger for the return trip.

To offset the gas prices, some drivers suggested increasing the current 50-cent passenger surcharge to $1. They believe that’s a more sensible solution than raising the taxi rates which could discourage people from using cabs in the first place.

Fuel experts predict paying $4 at the pump may happen soon. It will be a double whammy for cab drivers, especially if that price peaks when the high tourist season is over.