Photo by Chris Reif

The D.C. Taxicab Commission announced yesterday that it would restore a baggage-handling surcharge that it had originally removed from a fare increase proposal that will likely take effect in the coming months.

Under the current fare structure, riders can be charged 50 cents for every bag above and beyond a first one, which rides for free, while trunks cost $2 each. As part of a fare increase proposal presented by the commission in December, per-mile rates would increase from $1.50 to $2.16, but most of the existing surcharges would be scrapped — including the baggage and trunk surcharges. That news angered many drivers, who claim that the only thing sustaining them is those very surcharges.

At yesterday’s hearing, Commissioner Ron Linton said that he had taken into consideration driver and rider comments in reinstating the baggage fee. The new fee won’t apply to bags of groceries, purses or similar type bags, and Linton said it would only apply to bags that are physically handled by a driver. The trunk surcharge remains out of the new proposal.

Linton also reinstated a $1 additional passenger charge, but only for vans, and allowed drivers the means to gain an exemption to a rule that allow passengers to carry small animals with them, but only if the driver can show proof of an allergy. Additionally, the commission included a $15 flat fee to metered rates during snow emergencies; currently, a cab driver can charge 125 percent of the regular fare during a snow emergency.

The amended fare increase proposal will again be published in the D.C. Register, where it will be open to 30 days of public comment.