Report Adds To Debate Over Putting Meters In D.C. Cabs

Yitberk Syume, who owns three cab companies that participated in the study, said that "everybody was happy, except for Zone 1," which has the shortest rides. Under zones, drivers are guaranteed a minimum fare of $6.50; with meters, the lowest fare in the study was $2.75.

"Customers were really, really very happy with the meter," he said. "The meter is easy. It's right in front of you; you know where you go. When you get there and get out of the cab, there's no fight."

But Stanley Tapscott, the only active cabdriver on the commission, with 46 years of experience, said meters remain a difficult sell for drivers. "Very few drivers in D.C. want the meter. It's going to cost them revenue," he said, adding that he personally opposes the change.

He predicted that meters would also affect low-income residents who depend on taxi service and the consistent fares the zone system provides, regardless of traffic jams or detours. "The meter doesn't stop running," he said. "Most of the people who ride cabs in Northeast and Southeast know what the [zone] fare is, they budget for it and, on a meter, they can't budget for it."

Four years ago, Tapscott outfitted his own Capitol Cab No. 14 with a device that operates on zones but provides a printed receipt to customers, a service that many D.C. cabs lack. Drivers with the city's Yellow Cab Co. use a similar device with a global positioning system.

"Giving a receipt cuts down on arguments," Tapscott said.

He said he does not think Levin should get involved in the D.C. issue.

"I hope Senator Levin doesn't get mad at me, but I'm tired of D.C. being held hostage," he said. "Why is Senator Levin coming from Detroit and forcing something on us as D.C. residents?"