In an emergency move at their first meeting of the year Tuesday, the Prince George's County Council voted unanimously to double the base fare for cab riders in the county.

The fare increase, effective on Wednesday, increases the initial cost of a cab ride in the county from $1.50 to $3. Several other changes to fare structures are expected in the next month.

The changes come amid protests from cab companies over the county's decision to drop a $2 fuel surcharge last month, a change drivers say has cut into their finances.

"The situation has become very difficult for the cab drivers," said Dennis Bigley, deputy director of the county's Department of Environmental Resources, which handles cab regulations.

Drivers held a one-day strike and rally in the county Dec. 19 to call for emergency fee increases.

The strike led county regulators to propose the fare hike at the council's meeting Tuesday. Members approved the change unanimously, though they worried about upsetting riders with the sudden shift.

"How will we get the word out?" asked Councilman Tony Knotts (D-Dist. 8) of Temple Hills. "I don't want to get into a county cab and suddenly, bam!"

In addition to the new base fare of $3, drivers will continue to charge $1.75 for every mile traveled.

The county's base fare rate places it closer to its neighbors. Washington, D.C., cabs charge $3, and Montgomery County charges $4 before mileage.

In addition to starting meters in the county at $3, the rate for a cab to wait rises from 20 cents per minute to 25 cents per minute under the emergency bill.

The base fare change was made to offer immediate relief for cab drivers, said Bigley, who said the county is also revamping other cab fees.

Cab drivers who attended the meeting thanked the council for the change but said Prince George's cab drivers are facing hard times.

"We need to permanently restructure this industry so drivers can make a living," said Abay Gedey, a driver with the Prince George's County Cab Drivers Alliance, which staged last month's protest.

Other drivers said they need more, as well.

"To be honest with you, I was hoping for $4," driver Brian Holmes told council members. "This is stressful job. I appreciate all the help you can give us."

E-mail Daniel Valentine at dvalentine@gazette.net