The DC taxis are going on strike tomorrow over the upcoming transition from zones to meters. Here’s the leaflet they’re distributing to get all the cabbies on board:

click to big-ify

They list a few grievances:

1. “Meters are the first step to a cut in the number of licenses to 3,000 (limitations)”
2. “Medallions”
3. “Installing a point system which has already been passed but not implemented by the DC Taxicab Commission… When a cab driver commits a violation he/she will get a suspension until you have accumulated enough points to revoke your license.”
4. “For those who don’t know, the new drop will be $2.75 or $3.00 at most, not $6.50.”

Issue 1 is fair enough, they want more cabs on the road and so do I. We agree. I don’t know why meters have to lead to fewer cabs, though. That’s a mystery. Issue 2 seems to be referencing a New York style licensing system; I don’t understand the issue here. Issue 3 implies that cabbies will have their licenses taken away if they’re bad drivers. Good. Who’s against this? Also, why is this at all related to meters? Issue 4 is misleading. While the minimum charge will change from $6.50 to some as yet to be determined lower number, no cab is going to ever drive zero feet and receive the bare minimum fare.  And if they do drive someone zero feet, they should be glad to have been paid any amount of money for their service.  As they drive the minimum fare will tick up according to distance, which seems reasonable.

I still don’t understand the strong taxi driver resistance.

Leaflet via DC City Desk.