Updated: Wed Jun. 25 2008 10:09:11 AM

ctvtoronto.ca

A taxi ride around the city just got a little more expensive.

Toronto city councillors approved a rate hike Tuesday night to help taxi drivers cope with a drastic increase in fuel prices.

Council voted 29-4 to increase the start rate to $4 from $3. The distance rate will now cost passengers 25 cents per 155 metres instead of 170 metres.

That means it will now cost riders an extra $1.75 for a five-kilometre trip, from $10 to $11.75.

The new prices will likely come into affect in August.

Drivers have long complained that it's costing them too much to do their job, especially since fare rates haven't increased to keep up with rising prices at the pump. The last big fare increase happened in 2005 when prices went up 10 per cent.

Flat rates to the airport won't change as they are set to be competitive with what airport limousines charge.