Even from the time before a hack named Samson trawled Washington’s streets, searching for fares and pityin’ fools galore, D.C. residents have had issues with the city’s taxicab service, from ride refusal to incivil drivers. This week, the D.C. Taxicab Commission began hosting a series of community fora in each Ward of the city for residents to raise questions and voice concerns over a host of cab-related issues.

Of course, if DCist’s comment boards are any indication, there is perhaps no more contentious cab-related concern than Washington’s zone fare system. Inscrutable to the unfamiliar and widely held to be an invitation to overcharging (or, for some, a safeguard against that practice) by more experienced cab riders, just about any discussion about area taxi service inevitably leads to a discussion on whether or not D.C. should switch to a meter fare system.

One DCist reader inquired as to whether these upcoming meetings would be an appropriate venue to bring up the matter of the zone fare system. Following up on that question, DCist contacted D.C. Taxicab Commission Chairperson Causton Toney this morning, who affirmed that the Commission very much welcomes community feedback on the issue and encourages concerned citizens to voice their opinion on the matter in these city-wide events. Whether you feel strongly that a change is needed or if you support the current fare system, Toney says, “We want to hear from you.”

Some residents may recall that the Commission originally planned these events for the summer. Mr. Toney tells DCist that the Commission moved the dates of the fora to the fall, figuring that they’d be better attended once the traditional vacation season was over. The first meeting was held in Ward 3 this past Tuesday, but residents will have ample opportunity to discuss matters with the Commission through the middle of October.