Taxi Riders Fight Fenty's Plan for $4 Drop Rate
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THOSE PUSHING FOR REFORM in the D.C. cab system scored a victory when Mayor Adrian Fenty dropped the much-maligned zone fare system and moved to mandate time-and-distance meters in the city's taxi fleet. The catch: Fenty also proposed a $4 drop rate — the fee for just stepping into a cab. That's a heftier initial charge than customers in cities like New York, Los Angeles or Boston face.
Now, concerned riders from the Dupont Circle area, pictured here, who are unsatisfied with Fenty's proposal have banded together to get the drop rate to drop. Calling themselves D.C. Residents for Reasonable Taxi Fares, they've taken their cause to the Web, The Post's Sue Anne Pressley Montes reports:
The group launched an online petition Nov. 5 that asks Fenty to rescind his "ill-advised" proposal and adopt a $2.50 drop rate, the same fare used in New York. Although group members had applauded Fenty's decision to switch from zones to meters, they think he went too far in setting the new fares.
The group is also questioning the methodology that the mayor's office used to come up with the new fare structure, and is calling for more transparency from officials as they set taxi policy.
» "Cab Riders Organize Online to Protest Fares" [WaPo]
» "D.C. Residents for Reasonable Taxi Fares" [Official Site]
EARLIER:
» "Around D.C., Mixed Reactions to Meter Decision" [Free Ride/Express]
» "D.C. Cabs Told to Switch From Zone Fares to Meters" [WaPo]
Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post
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The Mayor's Office prefers to spring fuly-formed proposals on the public and Council for up/down consideration rather than allowing process transparency. While this is a good campaign technique it is counter-productive when used for governing, and is building up a hefty reserve of ill-will for the administration.
By Mike Licht , Posted November 16, 2007 7:49 AMMayor Fenty's cab fares are higher than rates in New York and other major cities. Sign this petition demanding fair cab rates for DC:
http://go.care2.com/11640639
Right now we have a chance to change that. Fenty's proposed rates are not final, and we still have a few days to participate in a public comment period to demand a lower drop rate fare. Please sign now!
By ladona , Posted November 28, 2007 5:29 PMMy comment is about the south capitol bridge and the problems that have been occuring since the bridge re-opened.This morning traffic was backed up to Suitland Parkway because down by the stadium the 2 right lanes were blocked. This is ridiculous.The traffic is backed up in the evening starting at 2:30. Was the improvement designed to back up traffic? Also their are traffic lights every block. You have not helped anyone.I expect traffic will be worse once the stadium is opened.What can you do about this problem?
By Mary Reidie , Posted February 21, 2008 8:28 AM