DC Taxi Cabs... Meters are starting....

For those of us living or working in Washington DC; we know all to well the battle over putting meters into the Taxi cabs.

You see the Cabs in DC, have used a zone system. A zone system that few understood; was filled with "extra" fees: extra person, rush-hour, extra zones, fuel surcharge, baggage,etc. Tourists were often ripped off - even residents like myself - I had to fight with more than 1 cabbie who tried to overcharge me.

Our new Mayor fought the cab drivers and mandated the installation and use of Meters. Now, after several deadline extensions and court battles; May 1st was the deadline for DC cabs to have meters in them. However; until June 1st; cabbies will only receive warnings and the $1000 fine will not be dished out until June 1st.

The cabbies have had numerous strikes, court battles and are still holding out for a long-shot overturning decision from a DC court.

It is estimated that only about 1,000 out of the estimated 6,000 cabs; currently have the meters installed. I have yet to see one; but sightings are popping up all over.

Who benefits from meters?

Well it depends. The zone system was full of flaws. For instance; you could take a cab from the Capitol to 16th and U street; near Adams Morgan. That is 1 zone: base price $7.50 ($6.50 + $1 Fuel surcharge). However; get dropped off just North of U street (even 1/2 a block) and its 2 zones $9.80 ($8.80 + $1 Fuel charge). Heck some cabbies would try to charge 2 zones if they dropped you off on the North side of U street (the zone dividing line).

Smart residents quickly learn the boarders of the zones to avoid extra costs !

If you and a friend are traveling from say; the Capitol to Dupont Circle during rush hour; the zone system is probably cheaper. $6.50 (1 zone) + $1.50 (extra person) + $1 (fuel) + $1 rush hour = $10. With a Meter... in traffic... about $9.

I suppose time will tell.

The Washington Post has an excellent Meter vs Zone estimator : HERE