The DC Traveler

DC Cabbies Start Weekly Strikes

by Jon on February 5th, 2008

When the Washington, DC government announced new taxi fare structure for DC cabs, in January, drivers weren’t happy.  Most cabbies felt the fares were set too low.

Many cab drivers went on a one-day strike on Halloween in protest. They also planned a once-weekly strike during February and March. 

This past Monday, the first strike impacted commuters and travelers starting early in the morning. The impact was not, however, as severe as expected. 

The next four upcoming strikes are scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. and run until after the evening rush hour. Strikes are planned on the following days.

• Tuesday, 2/12
• Wednesday, 2/20
• Thursday, 2/28
• Friday, 3/7

Finding alternative rides means using private cars, limos and public transportation.

You should expect limo or private car rates to be higher than typical cab fares, with rates quoted in advance (less tip). But a limo’s rates should not be excessive, (unless you get into an 18 passenger Hummer that gets 2 miles to the gallon).

If you need to get around the city using a taxi on one of these “strike days”, it would be smart to:

1. Allow for additional travel time.
2. Ride Metro trains or buses if possible.
3. Make arrangements in advance for a private car or hotel shuttle to meet you.  
4. If using a private car or limo, ask in advance to getting in what the cost to your destination will be.  If it seems like you’re being gouged, negotiate a lower fare or decline the ride.
5. To lower the cost per rider, attempt to find other people heading to the same hotel or general area to share the cost.

Image - Flickr

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POSTED IN: Announcement, Getting Around – Local Transportation