Higher taxi rates in Las Vegas area approved; prices to be 2nd highest among US tourism cities

Nevada taxi regulators have approved a rate hike that would make cab rides in Las Vegas and surrounding areas the second most expensive among U.S. metropolitan areas with tourism-based economies.

A report commissioned by a coalition of cab companies shows rates will be higher than those in New York or San Francisco, but lower than Atlantic City's.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the Nevada Taxi Authority approved a more than 8 percent rate increase Monday, although it's unclear when the new prices will take effect.

The board must get funding approval to change the meters on about 3,000 cabs.

The base taxi rate will rise from $3.30 to $3.45, while each extra mile will cost $2.88, up from $2.60. It's first time the rates have changed since 2008.

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com