Taxi rates in the District are increasing and surprisingly, a lot of taxi drivers are furious.

Continue reading

The rate increase comes with some strings attached. The fare hike would leave the flag drop rate at $3 while increasing the per mile rate from $1.50 to $2.16.

The new rules could take effect as early as February 3.

However, drivers would no longer be able to charge extra for passengers and luggage. As such, some drivers say they will keep on going if they see several people trying to hail a cab.

At a packed meeting of the D.C. Taxicab Commission, drivers shared their frustration.

Drivers are also upset about rules requiring newer cars that have never been totaled in a wreck. The commission is pushing them out for the big companies to move in. Some drivers called it "economic genocide."

The meeting broke up with one person yelling "unfair" at a chairman.

"If we only do what the drivers say they want done, why do you need a commission," said Chairman Ron Linton.