(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission said today it expects most cabs to be displaying the newly effective rates which went into effect Saturday, April 21, 2012, by mid May. So far about one third of the fleet has had the new rates placed on their meters. Recalibration is required by May 31, 2012.

The new rates make no change in the initial charge of $3, called the flag drop rate. Distance rates will change at 1/8 mile increments compared to the old rate of 1/6. The new incremental rate will be 27 cents per 1/8 mile for a per mile rate of $2.16. The old rate was 25 cents per 1/6 mile for a per mile rate $1.50 a mile. Wait time which registers when a taxi’s speed falls below 10 miles an hour increases to $25 an hour from the previous $15.

Other changes include eliminating the additional passenger charge of $1.50, except in Vans. Vans can charge $1 each for the second, third, and fourth passengers, for a maximum of $3.00 per trip. Charges for luggage have been changed to include only luggage which driver places in the trunk at a 50 cent per piece charge. The snow emergency fee is changed to a flat $15. The emergency fuel surcharge remains at $1 through June 20, 2012.

The telephone dispatch fee remains at $2. The unenclosed animal fee has been eliminated.

Over the next 30 days taxicabs will be recalibrating their meters in certified shops. Most, if not all, taxicabs should be done within 30 days. Each taxicab is required to display a certified DCTC metered taxicab red decal on the outside of the vehicle.

The new taxicab fares are a result of the Commission’s Findings and Determination (December 13, 2011) to restore the estimated 20-30% lost revenue from the conversion from the zone to the meter system.

All taxicabs once recalibrated must display the new DCTC decal as in the attachment.

More detailed information can be found on DCTC’s website.