By Mary Wisniewski
A group of more than 30 South and West Side ministers are complaining that Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed ride-share tax increase will hurt low-income riders and drivers, but city officials dispute the claim.
“Ride-share has truly been a blessing, said the Rev. Walter Turner of New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church in the South Shore neighborhood, at a news conference on Tuesday. Turner said the proposed fee hike would have a “major impact” on people trying to get to doctor visits or buy groceries.
“Do not tax our people,” said Turner, who was among the group of ministers who signed a letter to Lightfoot complaining about the fees. The letter was delivered during budget hearings before City Council members, which included questioning of officials from the department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, which oversees ride-share.
The Lightfoot administration has proposed increasing the tax on a solo ride in and out of the Loop during peak hours to as much as $3 from 72 cents. It would also increase the fee on solo trips outside of the Loop to $1.25. The proposal awaits City Council approval.