Irine,
It is a process. Time as much as money. Background check, vehicle age and fitness, classes to attend, joining an association or applying for a route. And fees and licenses are an ongoing issue.
Joining one of the associations will streamline the process, they can handle much of the red tape. The insurance discount essentially offsets the dues.
But when the law is strengthened, illegal taxi practices will be costly to the driver as well as the passengers.
The cost to you would be able to pay for premium charter service for your next 10 trips.
But it could be a fraction of what you might end up paying should you be in a bad accident.
