Tips are down for taxi drivers in New York City from passengers who pay by credit card, according to a study by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
The average credit card tip is 15.5 percent of the fare, down from more than 20 percent in 2009 and 17 percent from October and November of 2010 and 2011, reported the NY Times.
The drop comes as cab fares increased four months ago.
The report from the TLC did not look at tips made from cash payments to drivers.
TLC Commissioner David Yassky tells the NY Times that changes in tipping patterns may have more to do with math than rider resentment.
Average tips are up 8 percent to $2.29 from $2.12 on credit card payments. It is the percentage that has fallen.
"Everybody has a family to support. There is not much you can do without a paycheck. We got to pitch in. There has to be some tip of balance," a cab rider told Good Day NY on Thursday.
"I'm still tipping about the same. It's definitely getting tougher," said another.
Drivers say the fuel costs are going up and they need every single penny they can get.
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