Sure, New York City taxicab fares will go up 17% now that the the city approved a fair hike Thursday, but that will only affect those not savvy enough to get around it: So, tourists, plan to bring extra money when you visit the city.

The most substantial increases, the first raise yellow cab drivers have gotten in six years, come in the trips to the region's airports. "The cost of a fare between Manhattan and Kennedy International Airport will rise by $7, to $52, exclusive of tolls and tip. The surcharge on rides to Newark Liberty International Airport will also go up, to $17.50 from $15," The New York Times' Matt Flegenheimer and Michael Grynbaum report.  Meanwhile, in town, "a cab ride of about three miles that now costs $12 will go up to approximately $14," The New York Daily News' Pete Donohue and Corky Siemaszko note. That's about average for trips within the city, a Taxi and Limousine Commission spokesman told Metro. Manhattan is only 2.3 miles wide at its widest point, and 13.4 miles long. 

Savvy New Yorkers, however, can take advantage of last year's law permitting street-hails of livery cabs, which often can be cheaper than metered cabs if you negotiate well. Taxicab meters go up while you're sitting in traffic, but livery fares generally don't.

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Adam Martin