Cabdrivers to Strike Today

District taxicab drivers plan to kick off once-a-week strikes today to protest the looming April 6 switch from the city's long-standing zone system to time-and-distance meters, said William J. Wright, president of the Taxicab Industry Group.

Wright said he could not predict how many drivers will participate in the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. work stoppage. Today's action will be followed by another next Tuesday, which will be followed the week after that on Wednesday, and so on, he said.

"Until we get some movement from the government, that's how long it's going to last," he said. "We've got to try to stay alive. We've got to try to get the mayor's attention."

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) recently announced the final new rules for the D.C. taxi industry, including the changeover to meters, a $3 base rate for trips and a maximum fare of $18.90 for rides within the city.

Taxi drivers have said the changes could put them out of business and discourage poorer residents from taking cabs because they will not be able to predict their fares.

Wright said drivers will mobilize today at a meeting, during which they will also discuss a plan to strike during the opening of the new ballpark for the Washington Nationals next month and during any major conventions.