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Pretty interesting story from WUSA9's Bruce Johnson. At least five D.C. DMV inspectors have been fired for accepting small cash bribes from cab drivers looking to sail through the inspection process despite deficiencies in their vehicles. Johnson's got photos, presumably taken by honest DMV employees, of the interiors of several taxis where drivers leave between $20-$50 for inspectors, hoping they'll look the other way. One inspector he quotes in the story estimates 70 to 80 percent of cab drivers offer bribes to DMV employees. Guess that helps explain why so many D.C. taxi cabs are in such bad shape, yet still operating legally.
One major issue not addressed in this story: Mayor Fenty is proposing doing away with vehicle safety inspections altogether in an effort to trim the budget. Now, it's hard to say whether cab drivers are more often offering bribes to get out of vehicle safety or emissions inspections—emissions inspections would stay under Fenty's proposal—but it's easy to worry about how much worse the city's cab fleet might end being if they can just skip the safety inspections completely. Then again, if so many of them are already successfully bribing inspectors, maybe it doesn't make much of a difference.
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Well, at least the DMV employees didn't confusingly perform sexual favors when seeing the money.
Wow. Last spring when I got my car inspected, I waited at least 10 minutes at the very front of one of the three open lines and watched the DMV worker pick out no fewer than 5 cabs from the other two lines to get in ahead of me. And I thought it was because they were on "working" time!
This is probably just a cultural misunderstanding on the cabbies' part. When you emigrate from a country where bribery of government officials and cronyism is endemic, it's easy to carry those habits over when you move to a third-world Eisengard-wannabe $h!thole like DC. The difference is that overseas, your bribe actually accomplishes something.
The cabs in this city are much much much nicer than I've seen in any other city. They have seatbelts. They have leg room. The windows close. The driver hasn't sawed off the locks like that creepy movie "bone collector". Their meters work.
And even with the bribes, the drivers are still much better behaved. At least a good portion of them shower occasionally. They don't curse at you and everyone else. They don't drive on the sidewalks or on the wrong side of the street.
The only thing I find surprising in this story is that the inspectors were so easily swayed by $20.
charliegal: have you never been to NYC? their cabs trump ours easily, hands down.
Sarcasm.
I have to agree with IMGoph here, our cabs are like rolling metal turds compared to NYC cabs. Ours are the crappiest aside from Baltimore and Prague that I have used in the developed world actually.
But I am shocked with how cheap our DMV inspectors are, that says a lot. $20, really?! Are they operating on 1920 bribe dollars? I would think the price of a DC DMV worker would be at least $120. Good to know, good to know...
I'm guessing you've never had to try to tell a cabbie he overcharged you or took the wrong route. The problem with DC cabs is that there are no medallions so cabbies aren't afraid of treating the customer with bad service, contempt and verbal abuse. In NYC, cabbies are far more accommodating because the minute piss off the wrong person, their medallion might be revoked if they. In DC, a cabbie could rip off a Senator and it wouldn't matter.
Or been sexually assaulted by a cab driver. Or had one call the cops to arrest you because you refused to pay $40 for a 7-minute cab ride (this incident occurred pre-meters).
Needless to say I boycott DC cabs now, and I encourage others to do the same.
I TELL them how to get to National. I explain I live here, I have a car and NO, RCP is not the quickest way.
What "other cities" are you referring to?
Chicago, to start with. Which has all of the problems I mentioned. As does Prague. As for fighting over meters and fares...why do you think I mentioned the removal of lock pulls? In chicago it is standard practice for a cabbie to lock you in and keep you until you pay him what he wants. Overcharging or going the wrong route is getting off easy.
So perhaps we all come to the following agreement...
Top five "worst cab" cities in the semi-developed world:
1. Prague
2. Baltimore
3. Chicago
4. DC
5. Baghdad
We're #4- woo hoo!
Just like playing "just the tip".
clearly the logical follow-up question would be: does this mean that they are also bribing fenty?
Wait. Who fired these inspectors and why wasn't that person offered a bribe? I mean, corruption I can live with but inconsistencies really make my blood boil.
Even without the bribes, the safety and cleanliness standards for DC cabs are among the worst among major cities. In fact, it is a well known fact that many DC cabs are actually former NYC cabs that were retired from their fleet and then sold for use down here.
All of this stems from the fact that in DC the cab system is seen as a jobs program and not part of the overall transportation network. Any sensible regulation of cabs is met with the charge that you will take away the poor immigrant's right to start his own business by buying a $2,000 unsafe 10 year old car.
Meters were a good first start, but now DC needs to:
1. Require that within 5 years all cabs be hybrids (NYC is doing this)
2. Limit the type of cars that can be used as cabs
3 Set mileage and age limits on cabs
4. Give police and cab inspectors the authority to pull unsafe cabs out of service on the spot
Thankfully, the only time I take cabs now is to and from the airport and I use Red Top exclusively. The cars are nice and clean, the drivers are courteous, and most of the cabs have GPS so you don't end up driving in circles. Plus you can book your cab on the internet instead of dealing with some dispatcher that lacks even the most basic of communication skills.
While hybrids are a good alternative; they are not the answer. Hybrids mean higher prices for consumers because the cost more and the batteries will likely have to be replaced at the five year mark. I really don't think that many individuals or organizations will be willing to purchase a car that has a battery that needs replacing (thats a 3 to 5k expense) pluse all the wear and tear the vehicle has suffered.
Maybe DC can look to NYC if they have addressed the problem of batteries and resale but that expense will be passed onto consumers.
That, and the back seat of a Prius is a pretty tight fit for the touristey types who take up two seats on an airplane.
The NYC Taxi and Limosuine Commission has set rules regarding the minimun size for the new hybrid cabs. My understanding is that many will be Ford Escapes.
By the way, the entire NYC cab rulebook is available online here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/rules/rules.shtml
"Hybrids mean higher prices for consumers because the cost more.. I really don't think that many individuals or organizations will be willing to purchase a [used hyrbid]."
MYTH. While the upfront cost is more, the lifetime cost is not. Aside from gas savings, many people do not realize that a Prius has much lower maintenance requirements. For example, brake pads regularly last 100,000 miles, and 200,000 miles has been achieved on some vehicles. Used hybrids sell just fine (at a premium, in some cases).
"the batteries will likely have to be replaced at the five year mark."
MYTH. The Prius batteries are WARRANTIED for 8 years (15 years in California emission states). Very few owners have had to replace the batteries, and usually it's due to the failure of another part, not end-of-life issues.
Prius and other hybrid taxis exist in other cities, and they do just fine. The backseat of a Prius is no different than a non-hybrid sedan. Sure, it's no Crown Vic, but it's sufficient.
I second this episode of Mythbusters.
1. I have 7 years going on hybrid batteries now, with no replacement foreseen in the immediate future. The consensus seems to be around 15 years or never. The battery replacement is a total myth promoted by companies not interested in hybrids on the roads (mainly car companies that don't sell them, and other industry insiders out to loose in the technology).
2. The back seat of a Prius is very large, and the ceiling very high. Many 6'4" tall, and wide-load people ride in them and comment on the space available being surprising. The back carries 4 full suitcases easily with room to spare.
Hybrid cabs reduce noise pollution, and city air pollution at the street level. Hybrid efficiency is best in city driving, so cabs are the perfect utility for them. Cab companies would make up for any initial cost in long term savings. We sometimes forget that those crown vics are expensive to keep on the road too, sometimes costing their overall value in yearly maintenance and fuel costs.
Just one nit.. the efficiency is technically best in 'suburb driving'. Not highway, but not city.. 20-40 mph is ideal. The efficiency in true city traffic can be quite poor (as is the case for all vehicles).
Nit Noted.
One advantage of hybrids is often overlooked because people focus so much on overall mileage, but a major benefit of hybrids in city driving is the "no idling at a stop" factor. When a hybrid is driving through a city neighborhood and sitting at stop signs, red lights, and traffic it is not burning gas, emitting fumes, or creating noise (in most cases). If you spend a lot of time in city traffic it is a huge benefit both to the driver and the people walking on the street. That alone to me makes hybrids a wise choice for city driving.
Taxis emitting less fumes and noise into the air at intersections would make all of our walks better.
My neighbor drives an enviro-cab in northern Virginia. It's a nice, new, hybrid Corolla--the efficiency isn't as good as a Prius, but it is more similar in size to regular cab. Now why can't we have them in DC?
I rarely take cabs anymore but I live in Arlington and if I ever do need one I too always use Red Top. I definitely agree with you there because if Red Top says they will arrive in 10, 20 or 40 minutes thats exactly what they do. Their taxis are clean, they get changed out every five years and I've personally never had any problem with them.
Sad thing is one night I waited three hours at a friends one night after a part in DC for Diamond Cab. Of course I got tired of wating and called Red Top.
I love you. In every way.
I'd add one more thing.
The DC Taxi Commission has actually forbidden new cab companies from starting up in DC. Why? Because several larger suburban companies wanted to open up shop in DC. They would have brought clean, modern cabs to DC.
The Taxi Commission decided to actually bar all new cab companies. Their actual stated rationale was to protect the DC market for existing companies. You know, the ones that have given us such crappy service for decades.
This idiotic rule should be overturned immediately.
The state of cabs in DC is a travesty.
And, ridiculously, it isn't even 'looking out for the little man in DC'. Nearly all these cabbies live in MD. Where, ironically, they probably wouldn't be allowed to drive such crappy cabs.
Wow. You ain't kidding. This online reservation dealie is pretty sweet. Go to any DC cab website and you'll get thirty hamsterdance popup ads, dancing Jesus, and rerouted to a Russian mail order bride and Nigerian business site. That or Mr. T.
The sad part of this story is the effect it might have on the reputation of the DC Inspection Station. This is a place where you knew you wouldn't be treated any differently because of race, ethinicity or class - whether you choose to live in upper northwest or east of the Anacostia, whether you were born here or just moved distant lands.. all were treated the same.
Monkey, Deep and a few other oldsters will probably remember Clean Air Cab. This was a company that tried to enter the DC taxi market by providing immaculate natural powered vehicles, and well dressed, knowledgeable, polite drivers. Hugely popular with the Dupont Hipsters like myself.
They were basically driven out of business by the Ethiopian Taxi Mafia and their flunkies on the Taxi Commission.
Sorry, I meant natural gas powered
Councilman Evans,
I was appalled to find out this morning that a number of DC DMV inspectors were fired for taking bribes and presumably allowing unsafe vehicles to pass inspection. With the public safety of District residents and the thousands of tourists that visit each year, I hope that you will spearhead legislation calling for the immediate reinspection of all cabs that operate in the District of Columbia.
thank you, psupaulie. i am jack evans. i post here often on dcist. i'll get right on that. thank you for addressing me in a forum where i spend the vast majority of my day. it is much appreciated.
Shouldn't you be out taking pictures of a bus or an abandoned house and then complaining about it on your blog?
I'll have to remember this when I get my vehicle inspected next year. The last time I went the guy threatened not to pass my vehicle due to a light out over my license plate. Good to know they have their priorities straight.
Does anyone else think the headline sounds like they were fired for taking small bribes? Like, if they had held out for bigger ones that would be OK...but selling out for a $20 just isn't the DC Way.
They can't even do wrong right.
$20 X 5 cabs per day X 5 days a week X 52 weeks a year is $26K tax free per year. Not bad.
I filed a complaint about a taxi driver in June of 2008 who, after refusing me to drive me from Union Station to a location on the Hill because it wasn't far enough, rolled one of the vehicle windows up on my arm, took his foot off the break, and began moving the vehicle with me still attached to it. Nothing has been done. I've tried following up with Victor Frazier at the Taxicab Commission, and all that he could tell me was that they asked the driver to appear for a hearing and he didn't. That was last August. He said that they would take "appropriate action" when the driver comes to renew his license. Why is he still operating a vehicle? Are drivers in this city allowed to completely allowed to disregard a summons from the agency that is supposed to be regulating them with absolutely no consequence? What can we do to get that incompetent Leon Swain and all the other jackasses who work for him out?
You should have involved the police. Attempted vehicular homicide is a serious crime.
Agreed.
Last month, a cabdriver joked that I was lucky being picked up by him. He said,"Most drivers would not pick up a black man. You are very lucky."
I filled out a complaint about cabs ditching me and I was given a number. That was the end of that. A police officer
witnessed a cabdriver pulling off with my hand still on the door. The driver was issued a ticket.
I ride the bus as much as I can. 40 odd years of cab humiliation will do that to you.
Do like I do: throw on some mime makeup and pretend to be Marcel Marceau walking against the wind. Cabs will pull over to see what the f**k you are doing. I $h!t you not. Cabbies LOVE mimes for some reason. More proof that they're evil incarnate.
I pitty the fool who rides in a D.C. Cab!
Coodles to the uninsured driver who had a fake ID, went into a seizure and crashed into Sollys. He was driving a cab with no insurance. No one knew who he really was, but he was driving a cab. That's what a $20 bribe'll get ya.
Ride the wild streets of DC. Nice driving there TEX!
@VifL--I see you got the double posting thing figured out, but how the hell did you post at 7:22 pm today when my clock says it's now straight up 6:00 pm? Is DCist some kind of secret Time Machine?
Oh hell yes.
I mentioned that time machine effect some time ago. Like yesterday, the comment box was stuck on one item but the 2nd item kept moving forward.
This is hardly a surprise, in this town.
Not to mention that now with meters here, it's like no cabbie knows what the gas pedal is for.
As for the inspections, isn't a bad sign for a car when at a stop light you have to put it in park to keep it from stalling? I get that kind of car 1 out of every...5 cabs I take?
Tell me why living here is great again?
This issue is now in the top 3 reasons why I don't use cabs...
1) Cost
2) Quality
3) Cost
I am unable to drive legally because of my vision, so I use Metrorail almost exclusively for travel. I've only used a taxi on three occasions in the last year since I moved to DC. the first because I had purchased a large TV and did not feel safe parading it through my former SE apartment, second because I was stuck at a grocery store in the rain with more groceries than I had space in my cart (oops), and third was getting to a location in Greenbelt when busses weren't operating on time. How someone could justify spending $15-20 (or more) on a ride that would cost me $1.35-5.00 on metrorail is mind-boggling!
As convinient as they might be for direct point to point travel; they're too expensive and just as slow as any other automobile. I find that generally walking, biking, metro (and rarely busses) are more feasible when you consider cost, time, effeciency, ease of use, and quality of ride experience.
Why not decrease the amount of carbon emissions anyway? :-)
Not surprised that DC employees would take bribes--welcome to the real world--can't say I wouldn't be tempted to take $50 here and there either, especially I made as little as those people do.