The Commission voted unanimously Wednesday, July 18 to Publish Emergency and Proposed Rulemakings Implementing the TSMS, Consumer Service Fund with Passenger Surcharge, and Universal Dome Light Mandate. Emergency rulemaking will go into effect July 27, 2012. This allows the passenger surcharge of 50 cents on each taxi ride; require installation of the TSMS; and mandates the new universal dome light. The surcharge will become effective when the TSMS is installed into vehicles.

Simultaneously the Commission approved the proposed regulations covering the same subjects. If finalized, this will replace the emergency rulemaking when that emergency period expires. The Commission has scheduled a Public Hearing that amends Chapters 5, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 15 for 10 am August 22, at 441 4th Street, NW, Old Council Chambers. A Prehearing Conference is scheduled for 10 am August 1, at 2041 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, Basement Community Room. Taxicab companies, owners and organizations; advocacy groups; and hospitality organizations are invited to set the ground rules for the hearing. This meeting is open to the public.