Higher gas prices have triggered a request by one Ottawa cab company to increase taxi fares by 10 per cent.
While Capital Taxi is already seeking a fare hike, Blue Line and Westway are expected to follow suit.
Cab drivers say they're on the road all day and the costs are adding up.
"Everything now like is going up. Not only gas. You go to grocery, to buy your groceries - it's expensive," explained Capital Taxi driver Dave Nehme.
"I repair my car, fix my car," he said. "It cost me two weeks ago $1,800."
A city committee chaired by Councillor Diane Deans will consider the taxi metre increase in May.
"I think it's fair to assume they will get an increase," Deans told CTV News.
She says the committee will have to consider whether the proposed hike is too high and determine whether or not the industry can bear the costs without losing business.
Ottawa police also feel pain at the pumps
Rising prices at the pumps are not only putting unexpected pressure on cab drivers, Ottawa police are also feeling the pinch.
While Ottawa's police service recorded a $4.5 million deficit in 2007, partly due to last year's Ottawa Senators Stanley Cup playoff run, higher gas prices could put them over-budget again in 2008.
The Ottawa Police Service budgeted the price of gas at $1.00 per litre in 2008. Now that prices are above $1.20 in the Capital, observers say the situation could lead to a fuel deficit of $400,000.
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