Taking a New York City taxi is about to get more expensive.

The approval of the first fare increase in six years got an enthusiastic response from a packed room from drivers at the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission headquaters. It’s chairman David Yassky says while it will have an impact on passengers, the 17 percent hike on average is overdue.

“Gas is up. It is taking nearly $40 out of every taxi driver’s shift to pay for gasoline. Credit card processing is up taking nearly $8 out of every taxi driver’s shift.

Brooklynite Luis Molina has driven a yellow cab since 1995 and says the pay raise is the responsible thing to do.

“There are some of us who can’t even pay our taxes because our wages were so woefully low  

The base fare won’t go up, but the mileage charge will. Also, the flat-rate fee between Manhattan and Kennedy Airport will jump by $7 plus tolls and the surcharge to travel to or from Newark Liberty International Airport will rise by $2.50.

The changes go into effect this September.