Fenty's Foe On Schools Takeover: No Mere Granny

Taxi Meters, Again

In 1994, Leon Swain Jr. was named to the D.C. Taxicab Commission by Mayor Sharon Pratt (D). The top issue of the day?

"Probably meters," Swain recalled this week, meaning whether cabs should replace the controversial zone system with the more-common meter system.

Last week, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty nominated Swain to become chairman of the taxi commission. The top issue he'll face if confirmed by the D.C. Council?

Meters. Again.

Swain is set to take over at a time when the age-old controversy is back in the headlines. Last week, Fenty's school takeover legislation was temporarily blocked on Capitol Hill by Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.) because the senator was unhappy with the mayor's response to his longtime push for taxi meters.

Fenty, who has not taken a position, said he will study the matter for about five more months, right up to the deadline set by Levin in federal legislation, approved last year, that calls on the city to make a decision.

As for Swain, he said he did not take a position in the mid-1990s and he's still not ready to declare.

"There are about five or six studies I have not been privy to," Swain said. "For me to tell you my opinion on meters before I've read those would be crazy."

Swain said he is focused more on customer service issues. He wants to improve inspections on taxis to ensure better vehicles are on the roads and to upgrade the experience for passengers, while also ensuring that drivers feel safe.

"The most important thing is to restore quality service to all parts of the city," said Swain, who lives in Congress Heights, in Ward 8.