Fenty Announces Lower Taxi Rates for Time and Distance Meters

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and DC Taxicab Commission Chair Leon Swain announced the final rules for the new time and distance meters for taxis at the conclusion of a 60-day public comment period. After considering public comments received during the period that ended January 8, Fenty announced that the flag drop rate would be decreased from the originally proposed $4 to $3 and other charges would be eliminated. More than 2,000 individuals and organizations commented on the proposed regulations. Fenty announced the changeover from the city's longstanding taxi zone system to time and distance meters on Oct. 17, 2007.

“I have heard from the residents of the District of Columbia and their primary concern was the initial base fare,” said Fenty. “It is essential that residents feel they can afford and will utilize the great service our cabs provide and lowering the base fare to three dollars will allow us to meet the needs of both the passengers and drivers.”

Of the people who commented on the meter rates, 99 percent wanted the rates lowered. In addition to lowering the flag drop rate, Fenty announced that the additional passenger and rush hour surcharges would be eliminated, another overwhelming sentiment in the public comment responses. Passengers will now be charged an additional fee of 25 percent during snow emergencies instead of the current 200 percent. The maximum fare of $18.90 will remain the same for all trips that start and end in the District of Columbia.

The fare changes will be subject to a 30-day public comment period, however the regulations regarding the types of meters and installation will continue forward as originally proposed. The implementation date of April 6, 2008, for the switch from zones to time and distance meters will remain the same.

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