In case you haven’t noticed, new taxi fare rates are in effect. On April 21, the per-mile charge climbed from $1.50 to $2.16. That’s the equivalent of going from 25-cents to 27-cents for each eighth of a mile traveled. The first eighth of a mile, however, remains at $3. Drivers have until May 31 to recalibrate their meters to reflect the change. Once recalibrated, all taxicabs must display the DC Taxicab Commission’s new, certified red decal on the outside of the vehicle. Other notable changes:
- Wait time, which registers when a taxi’s speed falls below 10 miles an hour, increased to $25 an hour from $15.
- No more charges for each additional passenger (previously $1.50 per person), unless you’re traveling in a van—then the cost is $1 per additional person, up to a maximum of $3 per trip
- The $1 emergency gas surcharge will disappear completely after June 20
- The snow emergency fee changed to a flat $15
- The telephone dispatch fee remains at $2
- Charges for luggage were changed to include only luggage which driver places in the trunk at a 50 cent per piece charge, excluding small bags and briefcases