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Mayor Adrian Fenty has ordered all D.C. taxicabs to switch to time and distance meters, abandoning forever the controversial zone system that has been unique to Washington for decades.
“As we work to become a world-class city, it is essential that all aspects of District government are user friendly, fair and efficient for residents and visitors alike,” Fenty said in a statement released to the media. “District residents are overwhelmingly in favor of modernizing and simplifying the fare system. By switching to time and distance meters, we meet the needs of the residents and standardize the experience for every taxi passenger.”
Looks like the Post got the press release before we did.
So what do you think, Washington? Happy now? There's no early indication of when exactly the change will take place, just that the Fenty administration will work with the Taxicab Commission to create a timeline and transition plan.
Photo by Flickr user Julep67, used under a creative commons license.
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This is great news.
I'm glad Fenty had the balls to stand up to the Taxi commission and move ahead with meters. Let's hope they can get it up and running without delay.
Okay, now that that's decided, can we move on to the issue of regulating the quality of the vehicles themselves? I for one am a tad tired of seeing engine warning lights lit on the dashes of so many of them. There need to be minimum standards for condition, emissions, etc. for these things.
I'm giving my firstborn to Fenty for this.
I'm happy now. Thank you, Mayor Fenty. Now, let's hope he and Michelle Rhee can turn around our schools.
Excellent news! I'm looking forward to my first ride in a metered cab in five to ten years after the lawsuits are settled and the taxicab commission runs out of excuses to drag its feet. Even better, by then we'll be riding in flying rocket cars!
This is good news. Now, if only I can find a DC cab vehicle that seems safe enough to get into.
It's about time! (and meters)
Mayor Fenty seems amenable to learning from the experiences of other mayors/cities. Perhaps he could go to London to learn about their taxi system. Apparently, the tests for becoming a driver there are among the most thorough and rigorous in the world.
Wait... so now I can go a dozen blocks for less than $10?
I also am glad to see Fenty taking a stand. I wasn't favoring one decision or another but it's nice to see he's not afraid of pushing change when it means people will benefit (especially tourists who don't understand the zones).
Before we move on to cab quality, we're going to have to go through the fight about what the new distance and time fare structure should be. Do we want to replicate the effect of the zones, in which people taking shorter trips pay signifantly more per mile than people taking longer trips?
Good first step towards making this a real city.
Thanks Fenty!
At least we don't have to play those old games about getting out a block before your destination or catching a cab a couple of block away to avoid another zone.
Nonetheless, the devil will be in the details when we have to decide on the rates.
"Apparently, the tests for becoming a driver there are among the most thorough and rigorous in the world."
Yes, they are ridiculously hard. But then again, London cabbies are ridiculously expensive.
I agree with others that point out that this is only half the battle. We need to eliminate all the arbitrary surcharges and get the distance/time rate set at a reasonable level. If the shortest cab ride is still $6, then we haven't accomplished that much.
But this next fight will really draw out the howls of the cabbies and those that think the taxi system should exist as a jobs program. It's one thing to go to a time/distance meter system, it's another thing for that system to be based on reasonable rates.
I assume this ends the practice of "double pickups" or what ever the practice is called that allows drivers to pickup fares while already in route? Not a big fan of that move.
Finally!
jonboy, people taking shorter trips DO pay more than per mile than people taking longer trips already in any system, assuming that system has a base fare.
Meh. I was hoping for zone meters, but I seem to be the only one.
What is NYC's base fare? Why can't we just use that?
This is a great first step. But it's only a first step.
Next, Fenty needs to abolish the Taxicab Commission. They are worse than worthless.
Then, we need to set real cab standards. No cab older than five years old. Yes, this will put some out of work if they don't buy a better cab. But too bad. We're all sick of riding in 15 year old death traps.
Then, require real inspections, including impromptu unscheduled ones.
Then, require that drivers know at least the basics of city geography before they get a license. I'm always sortof amazed at how many cabbies in DC literally can't find the Capitol building.
But all in all, this is a good day. As Reid pointed out, the devil is in the details. But, still, this is good.
So at this rate, the meters will be installed by 2012, right? Certainly enough time for enterprizing haxxorz to rig said meters for a juicy fee. I know that distance meters that use wheel sensors can be rigged so that underinflated tires give a 5-10% "bonus" to the cabbie.
Will the hack inspectors get some real teeth? I know Williams made a big to-do about how he doubled the number of inspectors...from 4 to 8. "We now have more cab inspectors than ever before!" So?
Fenty (and everyone else who helped get this)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Sigh. I'm going to have to be the contrarian here and say that I vastly prefer zones over meters. Here's why: a lot of people in favor of meters seem to be overlooking the fact that they're are based on distance and time. This means you're still getting charged even if you don't move an inch.
I wish I could be a fly on the window every time a meter advocate has their first experience of riding a metered cab stuck in gridlocked traffic, watching the fare creep higher than last night's Lucky Bar tab. I've been there (substitute bar tab at crappy Boston bar for Lucky Bar tab), and let me tell you... it bucks salls.
But then again, traffic in DC is a breeze, so it shouldn't be an issue. What was I thinking? Meters are a GREAT idea for our city. Vote Fenty.
Amen!!!
Praise be
Once the city's trolleys come back, we won't need taxis.
Guy Incognito, why would you take a cab at a high-traffic time? If you're on the company's dime, it will not matter how high the fare goes. If you're in a hurry, you would be better off using the Metro and walking.
Besides, meters will reduce the incentive for cabbies to drive aggressively and run lights.
The zone meters would have been the best solution. This is going to be held up in strikes and/or lawsuits for years.
This RULES.
I can now take a cab 6 blocks from Adams Morgan to my place and not get charged $11.
I agree that the next steps needs to be dealing with the quality of the cabs. Personally, let's ditch this ridiculous concept of all cabs needing to be Lincolns and Crown Vics, and embrace smaller, hybrid vehicles.
Thank god this went through!! Now I can be sure I will never know what I will pay when I travel back and forth between the same two destinations. It will be like a taxi roulette. I think it will be much more exciting not to know how much I will end up owing for any given trip until I actually reach my destination. Actually being able to ensure I had enough money in my wallet to cover the pre-determined fare was really starting to annoy me. Thank god that problem has been solved. In addition, I am sure we all can also be confident in the fact that all the meters will be calibrated prefectly and will never be tampered with and charge us more than we owe. All in all, a win-win for everyone.
Except for the cab drivers. If they are not ridiculously overcharged for the meters and their upkeep, they should end up having much more money in their pockets because of the greater amounts we the customers will be paying. Heck, some of them may have to come up with new plans on how to handle their money because of their sharp increase in income. We the overcharged would like to appologize for your new problems now cab drivers.
"Besides, meters will reduce the incentive for cabbies to drive aggressively and run lights."
Ah, sweet innocence. The only thing that might-- might-- get cabbies to not drive aggressively and run lights will be a handful of Quaaludes and an IV drip filled with 100 proof Wild Turkey. The only outstanding question then is whether the Turkey should be metered on a time/distance basis, or by zones.
I'm pleased as punch that Mayor Fenty went with meters and brought DC into the 20th century!
What I'd also like to see is a requirement for GPS-driven map screens in all cabs, to show folks where they are and where they're going. That way, the chances of cabbies milking the system can be minimized even further.
Will that happen? Probably not.
But seriously: Fenty needs to take over the Taxicab Board and centralize the system: have a central dispatch, issue medallions, etc. It's about time that cabs in DC actually have some semblance of consistency, accountability, and reliability.
mitchgant - I don't find your comment particularly valid. For too many years, the cab system in DC has acted as an immigrant work program, as opposed to what it is/should be, an integral part of the metro areas transportation system. If the increased costs will shake loose the lower branches and bring a higher quality, then I welcome them.
Damn, sometimes DCist is like an effin' whiners convention. First, there's non-stop bitching about zones...and now it's fares, the cabs, not knowing "what your fare will be", etc.
There is no perfect system, but every poll I've seen showed both residents and tourists vastly prefer meters over zones.
So that's what we're doing. get over it.
"Besides, meters will reduce the incentive for cabbies to drive aggressively and run lights."
This is true, but be careful what you wish for. SOP for cabbies in other cities is to take the foot off the gas and prey to hit all the red lights, and then hit the gas and pretend to be trying to get to point B the second the lights turn red 3/4ths of a block ahead. If I had a dollar for every time a cabby has tried that BS with me. Half the time I demand the cab pull over and let me out - half the time I just growl inside and let them get away with it - as it is easier than trying to catch another cab.
Same B.S. soon to arrive in D.C.
Someone here asked about NYC's rates:
Taxi fares are $2.50 for the first 1/3 mile, then $0.40 each 1/5 of a mile thereafter (at speeds greater than 15 mph), and $0.40 per 60 seconds when cab is not moving (or moving below 15 mph); a $0.50 night surcharge is in effect between 8pm and 6am; a $1 surcharge is in effect 4-8pm weekdays (not including holidays). Any bridge or tunnel tolls will be added to the total charge; drivers might ask that you pay the tolls as you go through them.
Oh the other thing is here are surrounding rates:
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND
TAXICAB METER RATE SCHEDULE
Rate for One Passenger:
Rate for the initial charge...............$4.00
For each succeeding one-fourth mile.......$ .40
Waiting and Traffic Delay Time........... $24/hr
Additional Passengers.................... $1.00
Personal Service for Loading Items....... $1.00
Pick-up and Delivery..................... $2.00
Snow Emergency Charge in the event
a snow emergency is declared by
the State for the County.
DOES APPLY TO INTERSTATE TRIPS........... $2.50
Service Animal........................... $0.00
Toll and Surcharges As Required
AND ARLINGTON COUNTY:
Rates:
$2.75 — Includes loading and first 1/6th mile
$ .30 — Each additional 1/6th mile or part.
$ .30 — Each 48 seconds waiting time and/or traffic delay.
Extra Charges:
$1.00 — Each additional passenger over six years of age.
$ .50 — Each suitcase in excess of two if handled by the driver.
$2.00 — Each footlocker or smaller sized case if handled by the driver.
$1.75 — Surcharge for each trip ORIGINATING at the Reagan National Airport Taxi Stand.
meh
How about VA's Red Top cabs? I always thought they were pretty reasonable.
Guy Incognito: This means you're still getting charged even if you don't move an inch.... wish I could be a fly on the window every time a meter advocate has their first experience of riding a metered cab stuck in gridlocked traffic, (Man, I sure miss saying "Anonymous Idiot #xxx"...)
Guy Incognito: Why would you sit in a cab for extended periods of time gridlocked in rush hour traffic? Tell the cab you're getting out, pay him the fare (which, logically under the meter system, would only be to that point), and walk your butt to the metro. Which are conveniently located in most places you are likely to be gridlocked in DC. You'll save money and you'll get there faster. I am sure anyone who's spent much time in NYC can relate to this.
In urban settings, hybrid cars don't really make enough of a difference for the added cost. Besides, I'd rather not be in a cramped hybrid for a taxi. Usually, I want the most distance possible between myself and the driver as well as the added legroom.
Hybrids always do better in urban settings because of how they function. And you're not talking small savings here. The larger cab cars probably get about 12-15 mpg. Something like a Ford Escape hybrid gets about 30-32 mpg. NYC estimates its cabbies can save $10,000/yr in fuel costs by switching to hybrids. Maybe DC cab drivers would see that much savings, but they'd probably see something substantial.
The one concern I do think is legitimate is there is still some question as to how reliable some of these hybrids are (at least compared to the usual Crown Victoria type cars). Those gas guzzlers are super reliable.
Damn, sometimes DCist is like an effin' whiners convention. First, there's non-stop bitching about zones...and now it's fares, the cabs, not knowing "what your fare will be", etc.
This has to be one of the sillier comments I've ever read . . . do you really think that the people expressing doubts in this thread about the "improvements" the new meters will bring are the same people who were complaining about the zone system on previous posts? There are obviously certain political leanings and positions on issues that are more common around here, but people really need to get over thinking of the DCist commentariat (or the community that grows up around any blog/discussion site) as a clear, definable group with monolithic beliefs.
I live in the District and take Metrobus every day. But there are times when you have to take a cab, and Metro is not a viable backup option.
YEAHHHHHHHH!!!! I am so happy!!! I can't even wait to ride a DC cab now. J/K. I metro unless I'm with family visiting.
NO!!!! This is a bad decision for passengers and drivers.
Where else in the world could you ride all the way from Mt Pleasant to Capitol Hill for the cost of two zones? Now it's going to cost twice as much.
Thanks for your suggestion. I'll think of you next time I walk by such Metro stations as 14th Street Bridge/I-395 HOV Lanes Station, Rock Creek Parkway Northbound Station, or Whitehurst/Banana Republic/Key Bridge Station.
You're a fool for being in a cab in the first place on one of those routes during rush hour. Where are you going to and from? Presumably you came from somewhere downtown, right? Haven't you lived here long enough to figure out when it makes sense to use metro versus a cab to get in or out of downtown?
Beyond that, you may or may not be aware that there is a metro station in Rosslyn, about a 10 minute walk from the DC side of the key bridge, and the Smithsonian station is pretty close to the 14th Street bridge. I'm not recommending you get out and walk while stuck on the bridge, rather, I'm baffled as to why you would put yourself in that situation in the first place.
But regardless, I still don't understand why you think it's unreasonable that a cab, when asked by some transportation-impaired person to take them through several miles of congestion during rush hour, should NOT be paid for the 45 minutes they will spend going four miles. And if you're going to Viriginia, you're outside the zones anyway so all bets are off either way.
personally, i'm excited by this. i lived in NYC for five years, and loved how the meters reflect both the time and the distance you travel, not a somewhat arbitrary zone. i frequently cab home more than two zones late at night, which usually will take about 10 minutes, but cost $11 plus tip. that's more than a dollar a minute, and ridiculous.
viva la meter system!
Two zones from Mt. Pleasant to the Hill? No way, it's easily 3 unless you live in that sliver of the neighborhood between 2nd St and the Capitol. And a shining example as to why it's great we're switching to meters, regardless if it costs more for some trips. Hopefully I'll get less crap from hacks for living 'in the middle of nowhere'
You know what drives me insane?!?!?!?! When people say "get over it". Good god it makes me want to punch something.
Cheers.
I can now take a cab 6 blocks from Adams Morgan to my place and not get charged $11.
You sure? how long will it take you to get out of Adams Morgan at 3AM?
The taxi drivers have zero rights to whine about this--they brought it on themselves. We all could have lived with the zone system if the drivers hadn't insisted on making up fares on the spot. Let them go on strike forever and we can be rid of their shitty driving and shittier cars. I'd be thrilled to pay a few bucks more for some decent hacks.
"If the shortest cab ride is still $6, then we haven't accomplished that much."
Personally, it wouldn't bother me at all if the shortest cab ride is still $6, provided the longer cab rides don't become much more expensive than they are now. I think a system that imposes an extra cost on the tourists and business travelers who are more likely to take short trips is a good thing.
I think a system that imposes an extra cost on the tourists and business travelers who are more likely to take short trips is a good thing.
All time-and-distance-based systems end up charging "more" for short rides than for long rides, because they all have an initial base price that you'll be charged even if you just roll up the block. The longer your trip, the more the ratio of that initial base price to your total cost decreases.
That said, most of the reports I've seen state that switching from zones to meters will actually decrease the cost of short tourist-and-business-traveler trips, not increase their share of the burden. And it's the longer cab rides that will be seeing an increase in price.
Apropos to one of the comments above, I think it's hysterical that one of Senator Levin's main complaints about the zone system was that he was constantly being charged different prices for the same trip. Does he really think that switching to time-and-distance is going to magically make his taxi trips follow exact the same route, and encounter exactly the same traffic and pattern of lights every time? The chances of him EVER paying the same price for the same trip will actually decrease considerably.
Nate, the reason that upsets Levin and the rest of us is not that we want the fare to be the same every time we jump in a taxi. It upsets us because in a zone system it is supposed to be the same every time, yet we were being cheated half the time. It is the being cheated that is at issue.
We all know with meters, the fare will be different most of the time. At least the meter will tell us the truth. We know we cannot expect that from the driver.