D.C. cabs come in an array of colors. Drivers’ knowledge of city streets varies widely, too. But almost all cabs are cash only. This, and several other things, could be changing.

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Among the proposed changes: Panic buttons for drivers and passengers, requiring classes on D.C. sites and neighborhoods for drivers - also satellite technology for directions. That's something passengers approve of.

"We've come together to move the District's taxicab industry into the 21st century by crafting what I believe is a common-sense approach to improving the quality of the taxi experience in our city," D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray said.

The legislation will do the following, according to the city:

*Add new fuel-efficient/"green" vehicles to the District's taxi fleet.

*Incorporate a cash-free system in taxis by enabling credit-card transactions and other electronic forms of payment for fares.

*Fund a high-tech meter system with a safety feature that has the ability to communicate directly with the Metropolitan Police Department in emergencies.

*Create a voucher program for senior-citizen and low-income riders.

*Establish a professional driver-education program.

*Facilitate better investigation and enforcement actions for complaints about service or driver behavior as well as illegal taxis.

*Make the Taxicab Commission a self-supporting agency.

The proposals come a week after the Taxicab Commission approved a fare hike; the first in three years. The per mile charge is going up from $1.50 to $2.16.

A surcharge, possibly of about 50 cents, would cover the cost of the upgrades and improvements to city cabs.