The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission will begin checking taxi meters on Friday, June 1st to make sure they have been recalibrated for the new rates that went in to effect on April 21, 2012.  Hack Inspectors will look for the red decals that show that the meter has been recalibrated.  They will also pay close attention to taxis without decals since this indicates a possible illegal or broken meter.

Drivers were given until May 31, 2012 to have meters recalibrated and to have new red stickers certifying recalibration by May 31, 2012.

“We want to make sure that riders are charged the legal amount for their trip,” said Ron Linton, DCTC chairman. “We will vigorously pursue any violations, particularly for broken or illegal meters, including illegal actions by recalibration stations.  Enforcement is a key component of Mayor Gray’s commitment to bring to bring the taxi industry into the 21st century.”

In addition to careful enforcement to make sure riders, drivers and the public are treated fairly, the Mayor’s sweeping taxicab improvement program includes a credit card payment system, new safety protection for drivers and passengers, a GPS tracking system, a substantial increase in wheelchair access vehicles and a one-color scheme.