Photo by Samer Farha

The process of modernizing D.C.’s 8,500 taxicabs will likely be slow, but it’s starting in an obvious place—removing the oldest cabs from circulation.

On Friday the D.C. Taxicab Commission published a final set of rules that places restrictions on how old cabs can be and when aging cabs have to be taken out of circulation. Under the new rules, no car five years or older or with more than 300,000 miles on it can be used as a taxicab anymore; salvaged cars are also now a no-no for sab drivers.

Moreover, the rules impose a five-year schedule for removing existing old taxicabs from circulation. As of January 1, 2013, vehicles 15 years or older have to be removed; by 2017, no car older than seven years will be allowed for use as a taxicab. In response to driver concerns, the commission will allow a one-time, three-year exemption for cars in good condition.

Mayor Vince Gray and D.C. Taxicab Commissioner Ron Linton have promised a broader modernization of the city’s taxicab fleet, ranging from credit car payment options to a uniform color for all cabs. The D.C. Council is also considering legislation that would jump-start the modernization process. As part of the 2013 D.C. budget, the commission will be allowed to impose a 50-cent surcharge on all rides to help fund cab upgrades.

In related news, the Taxicab Commission announced that inspectors would start checking all cabs to see that their meters have been re-calibrated for the new fares that went into effect in late April.