D.C. Officials To Show Off New Taxicab Meters

WASHINGTON (AP) -- District of Columbia officials will be showing off a new taxicab meter that allows riders to pay by credit card, among other features.

The new "smart meters" are part of a package of taxicab reforms approved this year and will be installed in the coming weeks.

Credit card readers and GPS devices will be required in all cabs, and cabs will also be asked to adopt a uniform color scheme.

The smart meters will also allow riders to view news and weather reports and allow drivers and passengers to quickly contact police or medical personnel.

Mayor Vincent Gray and other officials will demonstrate the new meter at a news conference Wednesday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)