New Rules Proposed for DC Taxis
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-01-17/new-rules-proposed-dc-taxis
Modernizing and improving taxi service in the District is a goal riders, drivers, and the Taxicab Commission all agree on. There's less agreement on how to get there. New rules approved in December call for fare hikes and newer cars, making both riders and drivers unhappy. At the same time, the District is cracking down on some new mobile taxi booking services. We speak with the DC Taxi Commissioner about what riders and drivers can expect.
Guests
Ron Linton
D.C. Taxicab Commissioner
Travis Kalanick
CEO of Uber
Comments
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Information on the dctc website indicate that the current fare for a 2-1/2 mi trip is currently $7.90 & $11.40 for a 4mi trip. The proposed change would increase these fares to $9.18 & $14.34, respectively. What might not be apparent is that under the current rate established under the former mayor Fenty, drivers lost $2.00 & $4.00 respectively on these trips. The proposal brings income up to its pre-meter level & on par with surrounding jurisdictions. Regarding eliminating baggage & additional passenger charges, Will drivers be expected to handle luggage for free? what kind of image does that give when a driver pulls up & opens trunk and waits for the passenger to place their luggage in the trunk? Lastly, how do you propose that a driver who makes roughly 30,000-40,000 annually, buy a new car every 5 years. My cab is a 2005 Lincoln town car with 110,000 miles. It passes all safety and emmission standards. Under new regs it would not be allowed on the streets.
I am (and try to remain) hopeful that the proposed improvements can/will be actually implemented by the taxi drivers themselves. Taking a taxi in DC, specifically, can be rather an adhoc experience. You just never know what you're going to get --and particularly when you are most vulnerable -desperately in need of a taxi: in the rain, late for an event/meeting, looking at some outrageously random a.m. hour, or in a less than savory neighborhood.
In addition to myself having taken cabs in which the driver was COMPLETELY clueless as to where he's taking me (within the District) and then having been charged the full fare, while s/he looked, 'called somebody', etc...or otherwise randomly galavanted circularly 'somewhere in the neighborhood' of the destination -and then had the kahunas to excoriate ME for challenging them about it, the most recently egregious affront, to date, happened to a friend only this past weekend: We hailed a taxi from Logan Circle at roughly 3:00 a.m. (Sunday, 1/16/12). His destination was Takoma Park. We asked how much it would cost. The driver said $40. "$40!!!" I say, "do you have a meter?" He replies, "It's late. I can charge whatever I want." I didn't bother to argue. My friend needed to get home. Nuf said.