Lightfoot proposes temporary fuel surcharge on taxi fares

With the advent of ride-hailing services, which are regulated differently than taxis, the number of cabs in Chicago has declined to about 2,000. Yellow and Checker, once the giants of the industry, have just 450 cabs in Chicago. (Sun-Times file photo)

Chicago cabdrivers squeezed by skyrocketing gas prices may soon get some relief — at the expense of their dwindling pool of riders.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is proposing a modest surcharge of $1 for fares up to $20, $2 for fares as high as $40 and $3 for tabs over $40.