The components of D.C.’s new smart meter for taxicabs, including the meter, GPS, credit card payment option, and TV.

After years of complaining by D.C. residents and visitors that they can’t pay for taxicab rides with credit cards, smart meters allowing just that might start going into cabs as early as tomorrow.

The D.C. Taxicab Commission announced in a press release yesterday that the first smart meters—purchased by D.C. as part of a $35 million, five-year contract with VeriFone—will start being installed in local cabs tomorrow.

The move comes despite a recent move by Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) to delay the installation by putting a hold on $1.3 million that Mayor Vince Gray identified to cover the costs; the commission release says that unless Barry lifts his objection by tomorrow, drivers may be forced to pay the estimated $400 for installation of the smart meter in their cabs.

“We remain hopeful that the DC Council Member blocking the District’s ability to cover the installation cost will withdraw his opposition,” says the commission’s release.

Many drivers and small cab companies have expressed their opposition to the smart meters, saying that they shouldn’t be forced to use a meter mandated by the city and that they’re concerned that the meters’ GPS functionality will invade upon their privacy. (Various drivers have said that their companies have already been looking at alternative meters.)

One cab driver speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the commission is forcing the meters upon the cab industry, and is using the threat of drivers having to shoulder installation costs as a means to get them to pressure Barry to lift his objection.

The meters are but one part of a broader push to modernize the city’s 6,500 taxicab fleet. Recent legislation passed by the D.C. Council would mandate more handicapped-accessible cabs, more training for drivers and a uniform color scheme. The modernization plans would be funded in part by a 50-cent surcharge on all rides.