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Washington to end confusing taxi fare system

  • Story Highlights
  • Washington taxis will switch to a meter system
  • The new system aims to be more user-friendly, fair and efficient
  • District residents are in favor of simplifying the fare system
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From Adam Levine
CNN
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Washington taxis will switch to using a meter system, much to the relief of tourists confused by the seemingly arbitrary zone system of cab charges in the nation's capital.

Mayor Adrian Fenty announced the change at a press conference, and will sign a mayoral order requiring the change.

The meters will assess cab fares based on the time taken to travel and the distance traveled.

"As we work to become a world-class city, it is essential that all aspects of District government are user-friendly, fair and efficient for residents and visitors alike," said Fenty.

"District residents are overwhelmingly in favor of modernizing and simplifying the fare system. By switching to time and distance meters, we meet the needs of the residents and standardize the experience for every taxi passenger."

According to the mayor's office, Washington is the only major American city in the United States that uses a zone system.

The zone format was created by Congress during the Great Depression. The system was the source of many complaints from passengers, who said charges were arbitrary and the maps that the charges were based on were too vague.

A timeline for switching to the metered system will be created by the mayor in consultation with the city taxi commission. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

All About Washington, DC

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