Cab Strikes Hit the District

Many of the city’s 6,000 taxi cab drivers walked off the job last week in protest of anticipated changes in the way they charge customers. This is the second protest since February 4th.

The controversy stems from a recent decision by District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty who is mandating the change. As a result of his decision, April 6 marks the date when meter fare will replace the zone system that currently charges riders based on the number of regions that are crossed.

Currently D.C. is the only major city in the U.S. to use a zone system. The meter system would instead resemble that used in Chicago, Denver, and New York City.

The decision goes against the will of many drivers who prefer a more independent, less-calculated way of doing business. Drivers also fear less frequent service to local neighborhoods given the anticipated fare increase to these areas. Instead, drivers will concentrate in the downtown area and near transportation hubs like Union Station where there is a steady customer base.

While controversial, the switch may actually benefit GW students. According to a fare calculator provided by the Washington Post, the 4.7 mile trip from Capitol Hill to Foggy Bottom would cost $10.50 under normal traffic conditions. It would have cost $11.00 with the zone system.

One of the arguments, however, is that the zone fare is consistent regardless of traffic conditions and idling time. Capitol Hill to Foggy Bottom taxi service for the same trip would cost $11.25 under heavy traffic conditions, while the zone price would have remained $11.00.

It is unclear whether drivers will continue to protest the Mayor’s controversial decision, but the Coalition of Cab Drivers, Companies and Associations of Washington D.C. has given no indication otherwise.

- Jesse Regis