Officials have said that thousands of New York City cabbies have overcharged passengers, some hundreds of times each, costing riders more than $1 million.

The New York Times has reported that an investigation by the Taxi and Limousine Commission found 633 drivers who charged out-of-town rates for trips within the city at least 50 times between January 2008 and February 2010, including 88 who did so 500 times or more. Officials further added that cheating passengers by turning on a switch that changes the meter to the out-of-town rate cost the public more than $1 million during that period.

The Times also said that the commission wants to revoke the licenses of all drivers who cheated at least 50 times and to give those who cheated between 10 and 49 times a choice between giving up their taxi licenses or paying fines of up to $5,000.

Commission Chairman David Yassky said some cases are being referred to the Manhattan district attorney.

It has been reported that about 50,000 people are licensed to drive medallion taxis in the city. The commission said 21,819 drivers overcharged at least once during the two-year period, although some may have done so unintentionally.

It was also noted by the report that taxi meters now alert passengers when the out-of-town switch is turned on. (With Inputs from Agencies)