The Taxi Meter Debate

The April 23 editorial on the taxicab meter debate again misstated the issue at stake, saying there is an "interminable debate of zones vs. meters." That is not the issue. Stated once more -- the D.C. taxicab drivers do not oppose the installation of meters. They want meters installed. They want meters because their customers want and will appreciate the accuracy and transparency of a meter system.

What the drivers and most informed passengers want is the zone meter that is based on the Global Positioning System. The zone meter, available now and at a price comparable to the time-and-distance meter, will guarantee a fair and predictable fare every time, unlike the time-and-distance meter, which will put the passenger at the mercy of the amount of traffic and the route chosen by the driver.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has continually misstated the issue, perhaps because it suits his plan to order the meter he prefers. A misinformed public has joined him. But that is no reason for The Post and other media to join the mayor in refusing to state the fact that taxicab drivers want meters: transparent and predictable GPS zone meters.

JEFFREY B. O'TOOLE

Washington

The writer is legal counsel to the plaintiffs in the taxi drivers' lawsuit against Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

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