Council Doubles Base Cab Fare
After 2 Strikes, 90-Day Increase, to $3, Is Approved

By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Prince George's County Council responded yesterday to two recent strikes by cabdrivers by increasing the base fare they can charge, at least for the next 90 days, while it works on a longer-term solution.

The council's resolution raises the county-set rate to $3 from $1.50, which was the lowest in the Washington region. The new rate goes into effect today.

The cabdrivers have argued that the base fare did not provide a living wage. The base fare did not become an issue until last month, when drivers were told that they were no longer allowed to charge a $2 fuel surcharge. Permission to charge the surcharge had lapsed in 2007. Without the surcharge, drivers could charge only the $1.50 base fare.

Abay Gedey, head of the Prince George's County Taxi Workers Alliance, said cabdrivers have had difficulty maintaining their households. "This was crucially needed," he said, "especially in this economic downturn."

Gedey said the cabdrivers were somewhat disappointed that the increase was not greater. But he said they were still pleased that the council took action. "It's not the number we expected," Gedey said. "But it will let us stay in business at least."

Tia Gordon, a spokeswoman for with the civil rights group Advancement Project, which has been working with drivers, said she was pleased with the increase. "We feel confident that although this is a temporary solution, that there will be a permanent policy put in place so the drivers can make a living wage," she said.

The fares will be in effect for 90 days while a bill, which was introduced yesterday and is expected to make the change permanent, makes its way through the legislative process. County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) supports both pieces of legislation.

During the strikes, the drivers demanded that Johnson immediately reissue the executive order that allowed the surcharge. Because the administration did not think a surcharge could be justified with the lower gas prices, Johnson asked the council to consider the two pieces of legislation.

Ron Smith, chairman of the county taxicab board, said the board is scheduled to meet Jan. 22 to discuss the legislation and other possible recommendations for the taxi system.

Brian Holmes, a cabdriver for four years, told council members that he appreciated their effort, even though he was hoping for a base fare of $4. The base rate is $4 in Montgomery County and $3 in the District.

"We've watched airline tickets go up, Metro [fares] go up, minimum wage go up, Congress got a raise, and I assume you got a raise, but my fellow drivers have felt marginalized," Holmes said. "We've had to go on strike two days to get your attention."

The county has about 700 cabdrivers, who answer about 5,000 calls a day.