Works in NYC, NJ, Vegas, and everywhere else I've tried.  Rates increasing are usually due to policy of increasing prices when demand increases.  Given all the crappy weather we've had around here lately, plus the bullsh*t bureaucratic protectionism and hostility from DeBlassio and the City government, not surprising that they've jacked their rates.  But I still prefer them over unreliable taxi service in the City and elsewhere...

Sidecar is another, but not sure if it's rolled out in New York. I think it's great to have expanding options. The cabs think otherwise, but it makes them think twice about their prices and why they've been slow to adapt technology.

And the explanation for surge pricing sort of makes sense. No driver wants to go out in nasty weather/ at undesirable times with higher risk for the same old money so they are enticed with higher fees for driving during those times. They are super upfront about it so it really shouldn't be a problem. When I pull it up and see surge I just grab a cab instead.