CHARLOTTE -- Taxi companies are warning people about drivers who may try to overcharge passengers following the winter storm.
One traveler told Time Warner Cable News he was forced to pay an extra "weather fee" to ride in a Yellow Cab Thursday morning.
Ed Ladwig was stuck at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, trying to make his way back to Michigan after a vacation. He stayed in a hotel Wednesday night and took a taxi back to the airport Thursday morning.
Ladwig said he was shocked when the driver forced him to pay more because of the winter storm.
"He had to charge us extra fees because of the weather," said Ed Ladwig. "He charged us an extra $6 just to get in the car, the Yellow Cab company did."
Representatives of Yellow Cab said their drivers are not allowed to change the fares for any reason. They plan to investigate to find out who charged Ladwig that extra fee.
"Maybe some drivers do that, but not all drivers," said Ermias Daba, who has been a cab driver in Charlotte for nearly a year.
Daba said he would never overcharge a customer, and whoever is gives all taxi drivers a bad name.
"It's not fair," he said. "The drivers must charge what they regularly charge."
Taxi fares are set and regulated by the city.
"All taxi drivers have to abide by the taxi rates that are going to be posted on their car and inside their vehicle," said Kirk Young, the manager of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Passenger Vehicle for Hire Unit.
Young said drivers have to stick to that rate sheet, no matter what the weather is like.
"If somebody was overcharged, they can always refer to us, and we can look into it," said Young.
If there is a problem with a cab, it's a good idea to take down the driver's permit and vehicle numbers. You can call 704-432-6797 with any complaints.