Contact: Leon Swain (202) 645-6018

The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission (“Commission”) took emergency action on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 and voted unanimously to immediately reinstate a gasoline surcharge to aid drivers in meeting the soaring cost of gasoline.  The Commission approved a surcharge of $1.00 per trip, to become effective 12:01 am (EST) Friday, November 30, 2007 and to remain in effect for sixty (60) days until 11:59 pm (EST) on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, unless earlier terminated by the Commission.

Before taking emergency action, the Commission voiced concern that taxicab operators may not be able to continue to meet their obligation to provide vital transportation service to the public without the surcharge.  “Prices continue to spiral up, drivers need help, and the Commission has no choice but to provide it in this way,” said Leon J. Swain, Jr. Chairperson of the Commission.  The Commission noted that the price of regular unleaded gasoline in Washington, DC had increased significantly in the last days and that prices in the District remained relatively high in comparison to other parts of the region and the country. 

The fuel surcharge will only affect current zone fares. It does not apply to interstate fares.

The emergency fuel surcharge in effect during this period adds one dollar ($1.00) to the current zone rates listed below: