Transport officials nix Olympic taxi fare increase

LONDON (AP) - Transit officials have rejected a petition for London's black cab drivers to bump up fares by 20 percent during the Summer Olympics.

Transport for London said Thursday it had denied the requested fare hike by a drivers' association, who say members need the incentive to work during the games.

Officials say they came to the decision after consulting the drivers themselves, who feared the increase would drive away customers. Authorities did grant a 5.3 percent increase for the coming year to meet rising costs.

The move comes amid worries about transportation during the July 27-Aug. 12 games. London's roads are strained at the best of times, and critics worry about traffic gridlock during the Olympics.