Photo by andertho.

This morning, we reported that a proposal to be discussed by the D.C. Taxicab Commission tomorrow suggests an increase in fares. Now, a second proposal, which will also be considered tomorrow, would allow drivers to ask for pre-payment of the estimated fare at the start of the ride during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The proposal, offered by a Yellow Cab Company driver, would prevent the practice of riding and running, which was recently discussed by the commission during an informational hearing. The proposal argues:

There has been a significant increase in the number of passengers exiting the cabs without paying the fare on both local and interstate trips since the implementation of meters. The driver should have the option to ask for cash payment of up to the estimated fare of the trip during the overnight hours. It is during this period that a greater number of incidents relating to passengers exiting the cabs without paying occur.

Asking for money at the start of the trip should upfront ese changes would encourage more drivers to work the under-served areas and accept other payment mediums because they feel more assured that they would be paid for the trip. It would greatly reduce the number of incidents of drivers passing up passengers or going to some destinations because they are fearful that they will not be paid at the end of the trip.

The proposal also asks that the commission re-introduce shared rides, by which the meter doesn’t have to be reset every time a person that’s part of a group ride gets out.

The commission meets tomorrow morning; votes on possible fare increases and other such proposals could come as soon as January.