Don't Get Overcharged for Cab Rides

It’s been almost a year since Washington switched from a zone to a metered taxicab system.

The new system was supposed to make taking cabs cheaper and less confusing. I think it has done that to some extent. Thank goodness, because cab rides can be such a drain on your budget. I live in Adams Morgan. A cab ride from my apartment to my office downtown used to cost $8. Now, if there’s no traffic, I can get away with a $6 fare. Now, I don’t have to figure out which side of Florida Avenue I have to stand on to save $1.50.

That said, I still find the meter system somewhat confusing. My friends and I have had cab drivers apply rules differently. Some of my closest friends and I live within four blocks of each other. Often when we go out together in different neighborhoods, we share a cab home. We’ve had some cab drivers keep the meter running through the two stops. Other drivers have stopped the meter at the first stop, charged the first person for the ride to her house, reset the meter, then charged the second person for the ride to the second stop. In both cases, they have charged $1.50 for each additional person.

I have also had drivers apply the luggage rules in different ways. Reading through the regulations online, I see that luggage, which includes large bags of groceries, is charged as follows: The first bag is free and each additional bag handled by the driver is 50 cents. But large bags, measured as more than 32 inches by 18 inches by 9 inches or three cubic feet, will cost you $2 apiece. I’ve been charged $2 for small bags. I’ve been charged nothing for large bags. I’ve been charged 50 cents even though the driver never handled my bag.

I’m from New York City, where cab fare rules are a lot more clear-cut. You can imagine how frustrated I get when drivers here can’t even get their own rules straight.

So yesterday, after a couple of frustrating cab rides, I called the city to find out what is being done to make sure cab drivers follow the rules.

Leslie Kershaw, a communications specialist for the city, said the Taxicab Commission was updating the passenger fare card that is supposed to be clearly displayed in every cab. The new cards, set to be rolled out in a couple of weeks, should be much easier to understand, she said. Additionally, the commission is updating the passenger’s bill of rights that must be visible in every cab. That should be out within 30 days.

Kershaw also pointed out that there are hack inspectors available seven days a week in two different shifts from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. They are responsible for making sure cab drivers are complying with the rules. Right now, you have to call the D.C. Taxicab Commission to reach a hack inspector. But Kershaw said the city is working on a system that would allow passengers to dial 311 to reach a hack inspector directly.

You can also file complaints within 30 days of the incident. You can fax a written and signed complaint with your address and telephone number to (202) 889-3604. Or you can email it to dctc3@dc.gov. Or you can mail it to:

Attn: Complaints
Office of Taxicabs DC Taxicab Commission2041 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Suite 204
Washington, DC 20020-7024

Kershaw asked me to remind passengers to always get a receipt from the cab driver. And be sure to get a receipt from the actual meter, she said.

My friends offered other tips on saving money on cabs. Here are a few:

If you and your friends all live in the same neighborhood and want to share a cab, have the driver drop you off in one central location.

If you are taking a cab from Union Station or the airport, find someone who lives in your neighborhood and share a cab, then follow the first tip if you don’t have too many bags

If you want to avoid the 50-cent charge for bags, don’t put them in the trunk and don’t have the driver handle them.

Don’t call a cab to pick you up. There is a surcharge for that. You’re better off hailing a cab on the street.

Don’t feel obligated to tip drivers if they try to incorrectly charge you or if they treat you poorly. It’s your money. You’re not obligated to give them any more than the fare.