Taxi Regs Released: $4 Flag Drop!
This afternoon, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced the details for the taxi meter transition. Anyone expecting major savings over zone rates might be in for a bit of a surprise: Under the proposal, the flag drop’s going to be $4, well above NYC’s $2.50. The mileage rate, however, is $.25 for one-sixth of a mile (NY is $.40 per one-fifth), in a nod to what was the essential balance of the zone system: short trips makes less economic sense than long trips.
Press release after jump.
Fenty Announces Taxi Meter RegulationsWashington, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and DC Taxicab Commission Chair Leon Swain announced new regulations for the city’s more than 6,000 taxis after an October 17 decision to change from a 70-year old zone to a metered system. The new regulations will be subject to a 30-day comment period and will go into effect after 120 days requiring all taxis to be equipped with meters by April 1, 2008.
“Every passenger deserves a reliable fare system that they understand,” said Fenty. “These regulations will allow us to maintain our great taxi system while bringing transparency and clarity to the fare calculation process,”
The regulations outline the rates, meter specifications, installation and inspection of meters. The new rates for the metered system are based on a $4.00 base charge and 25 cents for every one-sixth of a mile after the first sixth of a mile traveled. For every minute stopped in traffic or traveled under ten miles per hour, there will be a charge of 25 cents. All other rates and surcharges for additional passengers and rush hour will still apply.
“Our goal is to provide the best service possible to our customers,” said Swain. “These new regulations will give us the tools to provide the kind of service our customers have asked us for.”
The rules require the meters to be installed by licensed technicians. There are a number of technicians already located in the District that install meters for Maryland and Virginia taxicab drivers. The meters will be connected to the light on top of the cab allowing passengers to see if a taxi is available. The light will be illuminated when a taxi does not have a customer and will extinguish when a fare is activated on the meter.
Taxi inspectors will spot-check both meters in cabs as well as the technicians that install the meters. Taxi drivers will be fined $1,000 each time they are found to be non- compliant with the new regulations. The regulations were created after research and discussions about best practices with industry representatives, manufacturers, other cities and trade groups.
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8 Responses to “Taxi Regs Released: $4 Flag Drop!”
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November 2nd, 2007 at 11:21 am
The problem I have with this is that it does not recognize the need to use taxis late at night when walking from the Metro to one’s home creates a safety issue — especially for women. I should not have to spend $7 to go 5 blocks to my home from Union Station if I arrive on a late train. Just as they have surcharges, perhaps we can get credits for those times that we downtowners are forced to use taxis late at night for short distances to keep from being mugged, etc…
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Shouldn’t they get extra for picking you up in a neighborhood that you’re afraid to walk through?
The real BS is that they’re keeping the extra charge for extra passengers. Yeah, let’s discourage ride-sharing, that’s a real green idea.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:09 pm
it’s not the taxi drivers’ responsibility to make sure you don’t get mugged. they provide a private service, not a public one, and they need to make a living off of it. if you have a beef with not being able to walk five blocks at night, as do many in dc, then you need to start pressuring the police to increase their productivity in your neighborhood.
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:34 pm
The real problem is the charge for every minute spend driving under 10 miles per hour. In my experience, either the vehicle or the driver is not capable of driving more than 10 miles per hour regardless of traffic conditions.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Ryan — I’m talking about Union Station to Penn Quarter. A female walking alone at midnight on Mass. Ave. is not safe. Even leaving a restaurant at 11 p.m. to walk home through the downtown is not the wisest thing. So no — they should not make extra money. Are you never worried about the women in your life walking alone late and in the dark????
November 5th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
There really IS no chivalry in DC — as demonstrated by the MALES responding to the safety question. I’m sure none of the females in your life have ever been sexually assaulted. But go ahead Scott — blame the victim.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Don’t assume anything about anyone in my life. And I’ve lived in DC for 26 years, as have dozens of my female friends and relatives. Assume some responsibility for where you choose to live and how you spend your free time, and stop asking for other people to shoulder the load for your personal benefit. Sorry, but that’s life as an adult.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Like to know who is going to handle the meter repaires and sales ..What are the regulations to open a meter shop and what brand of meter have been approved .
Sincerity yours Al