Cab companies in Portland say it's been a long time coming -- and if you ride taxi's frequently in the city you'll likely need to carry some extra cash to pay for your ride.

The Portland City Council is expected to pass a rate increase, Wednesday which would cost you 10 cents more per mile.

The current rate for a taxi in Portland is $2.20 a mile. The cab companies have come together asking for a dime more per mile.

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"I couldn't. I mean, I'd hate to see it go up any more," said David O'Reilly who is visiting Portland. "I could see people leaning more toward the public transportation like the MAX because those prices are not going up," said Janet Lennon who lives in Vancouver.

Christopher Brooks lives in Portland and says his solution would public transit.

The cab industry has gone to the City of Portland to request the meter increase. City staff will take it to the Portland council, Wednesday for approval.

"This is our attempt to do it at a more measured weight," said Raye Miles, president of Broadway Cab.

The cab companies collectively want to raise rates to $2.30 per mile.

Rod Filipenko has been a cab driver for seven months and says he's already struggling.

"I see prices going up and up and I don't think they'll ever stop. I know a lot of people think cab drivers make bank, but we don't," he said.

The current taxi rates were established June 2005. A city spokesperson says every two years, there is supposed to be a rate study to lower rates. But there has not been a study since 2004.

The Office of Management and Finance says because gas prices have only been going up, so have the cost for cabs.

"I do see their side but in this kind of economy. I think they might be cutting off their nose to spite their face," said Lennon of the cab companies.