Cab Fares In D.C. To Increase By 44 Percent

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cab fares in Washington would increase by 44 percent under a proposal approved by the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission.

The commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to hike the per-mile fare from $1.50 to $2.16. The wait time fare would also increase, from $15 to $25 per hour. The commission voted to eliminate most surcharges, including one for extra passengers.

Cab drivers have complained the fare structure is hurting their revenues, and the district's fares are lower than in surrounding jurisdictions. The commission says the fare hike will bring taxicab revenues and average prices for riders to levels similar to those before May 2008, when the district moved from a zone-based fare system to a meter-based system.

The new rates could go into effect as early as Feb. 3.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)