Taxi fares in the city of Buenos Aires are set to increase by 12% beginning this Sunday in an effort to bring prices more in line with the rise in drivers’ pay. It is the second increase this year as part of the city government’s decree 233/12.

The new flag fall will cost $9.10, up from $8.20. For every 60 seconds standing, or 200 metres in motion, the fare will go up to $0.91.

Between 10pm and 6am, the flag fall will be $9.70, and then $0.97 every 60 seconds, or 200 metres.

The city government decided in June of this year to augment taxi fares when it was found that rates were outdated in relation to drivers’ salaries. The first increase took place in July, bringing fares up from their original $7.30 minimum.

This second augmentation completes the 24% total increase called for by the decree.

The Association of the Union of Workers is protesting all this week against the rise in the cost of subte fares by opening the turnstiles in selected underground lines to allow passengers to ride for free.

The turnstiles will be open today through Friday during the morning and afternoon rush hour.

Stations that will not be charging for tickets from 7am to 10am are: Carabobo and Miserere on Line A; Los Incas and Lacroze on Line B; Constitución and Retiro on Line C; Congreso de Tucumán and Juramento on Line D; Bolívar and Plaza de los Virreyes on Line E; and Once on Line H.

In the afternoon between 4pm and 7pm, the following stations will be open for free rides: Plaza de Mayo and Perú on Line A; Leandro N. Alem and Florida on Line B; Retiro and Constitución on Line C; Catedral and Pueyrredón on Line D; Plaza de los Virreyes and Bolívar on Line E; and Once on Line H.

Fares rose last Friday from $1.10 to $2.50 on all the undergrounds in the City of Buenos Aires.