What's the Rush to Curb Cabs?
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In the wake of the arrest of his chief of staff, Ted G. Loza, D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) has withdrawn legislation to cap the number of D.C. taxicabs [Metro, Oct. 1]. Mr. Loza has been accused of accepting $1,500 in bribes to promote the bill.
None of this has diminished Mr. Graham's determination to reduce what he believes is the "over-concentration" of cabs in the District. But Mr. Graham has it wrong. It's not the total number of cabs, but how and where cabs in the District serve the public. Before the council acts, we need to know a lot more about cabs' availability, cost, distribution and competition. For example, on a weeknight, how long do those east of the Anacostia River wait for a dispatched cab compared with those living west of Rock Creek? Where are cabs concentrated during rush hour? What is service like near different subway stops? What are typical fares for the most common trips?
There's much to know about D.C. cab service and not much information to go on. Mr. Graham would do well to fill the information gap before promoting remedies.
CARL BERGMAN
Washington
