Hundreds of cab drivers in their vehicles created gridlock around the Wilson Building today, as they once again protested what they see as an unfair lack of regulations on companies like Uber and Lyft.
The protest, organized by the Teamster-affiliated D.C. Taxi Operators Association, began with a caravan from East Potomac Park. A spokesperson for the Teamsters said Park Police counted about 2,000 cabs at the beginning of the caravan. Dozens surrounded the Wilson Building, while several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue were packed with nothing but cabs. Horns blared throughout the hour-long protest, while some chanted “Hey hey! Ho ho! Mary Cheh has got to go!” While Councilmember Cheh has been an advocate for ride-sharing, she and Councilmember David Grosso recently introduced legislation to deregulate fares for cabs when they’re arranged through mobile dispatch services, allowing taxis to behave more like Uber and Lyft. The bill would also require ride-sharing companies to “perform background checks on their drivers, maintain commercial insurance for drivers, and establish and maintain zero-tolerance policies for drugs and alcohol.”
Meanwhile, the DC Taxicab Commission is considering a package of regulations that would require “private sedan services” to conduct background checks, place requirements on insurance, and license drivers.
“The DC Taxicab Commission is currently working on updated regulations that will ensure a fair, balanced, competitive, and safe system for passengers and drivers,” the agency said in a release. “The District’s City Council is also currently considering legislation regarding the role of private vehicles in public transportation. In the meantime, DCTC will continue to enforce against illegal street hails and violations of the reciprocity agreement between Virginia and Maryland. This includes private vehicles that are cited and fined as they have chosen not to register with DCTC; and without proper registration they are operating illegally.”
The reaction to the protest from onlookers ranged from confused to annoyed. “Well, I’m never taking a cab again,” one man said as he passed the protest. Uber fares increased during this period, as demand increased.
