Sunday, January 20, 2008

How Will Meters Affect Your Ride?

Wondering just what it might cost you to ride in a DC cab after April 6? Check out the Washington Post's Taxi Fare Estimator. According to the TFE, if I wanted a cab from work to my apartment, it would be about $1.25 more under the meter than zone. But if I took one from work to one of our main clients (which is my most common route), the zone fare would be $2.00 cheaper!

Now I would assume it would be more expensive for the long ride (capital hill area to upper NW), but to be $2 more expensive from capital hill area to downtown K Street?

According to the Estimator, I lose and drivers win both times.

So why do drivers hate the meters again?

8 Comments:

At 7:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well my dear you wanted meters and now you have them, so deal with it!

 
At 10:06 AM, Blogger DC Cab Rider said...

LOL - must not be a regular reader. I wanted meters? I haven't really cared one way or the other. Have found the debate fascinating.

Still don't get the basic question - just in my example, meters pay drivers more in long and short runs. So why hate meters?

 
At 12:34 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't know which fare estimator are you looking at because the link you have shows cheaper fares on meters in every trip.

 
At 11:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It will change sooon as there will be shortage of cabs with the meters. Now we can pick another passenger in the way then it will not be allowed to share a cab ride. Also there will be limited number of cabs in town making it difficult to find a cab.
Cabs will soon be a hard thing to find in the morning and evening times when most people want.People will be late for their appointments due to the shortage of the cabs.Now we can have a cab when ever we want, just think rationally what we are going to choose?

 
At 10:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I checked 3 fares, all higher with meters. Drivers need to stop complaining. They'll rake in the dough.

 
At 11:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If the fares are more with the meters and then why you guys wants to pay more? Make any sense? Let the Zone system be there.

 
At 8:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now that makes no sense. 2nd anonymous guy. To ask your question back at you. If the fares are more with the meters then why you guys striking to not switch?

 
At 8:17 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

It is about money, right now independent driver makes about 9.80/hour with meter he will make 4.80 to 5.20 $ /Hour.
Most rides are generated in Zone 1 and Zone where cabbie will lose 40% in proposed fares structure.

If we want comparable to our neighboring Jurisdictions then we should have same meter rate and extras not 30% cheaper. Plain and simple Mayor is proposing 30% pay cut with 20% increase in fuel cost.
Who is here ready to work more hour with 50% pay cut.
Fact is DC cabs has lowest complaints for the number of passengers ride. There is always few bad people but all should not be punished.
Actually Zone meter is better option for public and for drivers.
Other wise it should be 1.80 per mile and waiting time 20 $/ hour which is current rate in other jurisdiction. Mayors gives example of New York, In New York there is 2 $ nightly surcharge and double fare for out of state trip then Mayor should implement that one too.
If cabbie can not make honest living then they will cheat what you think meter are not tampered in New York?
What DC pays to there govt. drivers cab drivers should be able to make close to that if not more.

 

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