BOSTON (AP) – It will soon cost more to take a taxi from Logan International Airport and to drive into the city over the Tobin Bridge, but the fee hikes aren’t as steep as originally proposed.

The Massachusetts Port Authority voted Thursday to raise ground transportation fees, making Logan one of the most expensive airports in the country from which to take a cab.

The fee hikes are a compromise from the increases originally proposed. The fee for a taxi ride will go up 50 cents over the next two years: 25 cents starting in April to $1.75 per trip, and another 25 cents in April 2005 to $2.

Massport board members had considered a $1 per ride increase but scaled back after getting an earful from angry cab drivers at a public hearing last month.

“One dollar was too much money,” said Dimitrios Grigoriadis, 35, a cab driver who attended the Massport board meeting Monday. “Twenty-five cents, I think the people don’t complain. But I think if it was $1 we’d have a big complaint from the people.”

Massport also voted 5-1 to approve compromised fee hikes for limos, courtesy vans and shuttle buses. Board member Susana Segat voted against the ground transportation increases, and Paul Foster recused himself because his son is in the limousine business.

Several taxi drivers attended the board meeting Thursday but were not allowed to speak.

Massport officials say the fee hikes are needed to help offset the cost of operating and maintaining the tax and limo pools, as well as maintenance of the airport’s new roadways.

The Tobin Bridge tolls will increase from $2 to $3 effective April 4. FastLane users will get a 50-cent discount – a compromise also made after commuter outcry at the public hearing.

The toll revenue is used for bridge operation and maintenance and Big Dig costs. Massport plans $68 million in renovations to the bridge over the next decade.

AP-ES-01-15-04 1357EST