Lake County Gazette

Waukegan Alderperson Michael P. Donnenwirth has proposed a revision of the city's taxicab fares to align with those of neighboring communities. The primary aim of this increase is to enable taxicab drivers to turn a profit and sustain their businesses within the city.

According to the proposal attached to the agenda for the Waukegan City Council Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 11, the rate for additional tenths of a mile inside the city limits or bordering municipalities would rise by 7 cents to 27 cents. Rate 2, applicable outside the limits of bordering municipalities, would see an increase in waiting time charges by 5 cents to 40 cents per minute.

Donnenwirth's proposal also suggests that customers traveling to Midway or O'Hare Airports would face higher costs. Specifically, the cost for a ride to Midway Airport would rise by $28 and be set at $100. A ride to O'Hare would cost an additional $15, totaling $65. Moreover, a trip north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, would cost another $7.50, increasing the fare to $90.

However, according to Donnenwirth's proposal, fares for trips to Mitchell Field Airport ($72.50) and downtown Kenosha ($40) would remain unchanged. Similarly, the flagging fee upon hire for first passenger would continue at $2, as well as the charge for each additional passenger over the age of 12 and under 65 years old at $1.

The proposal further clarifies that tolls, tips, and airport tax are not included in any of these city rates.