Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-25
new SCHEDULE FOR IAxICABS
COMMISSIONERS GIVE HEARING
TO LOCAL COMPANIES.
Consider Proposition for Increase Of
Rates-Take the Matter Un-
der Amusement.

In submitting to the District Commits
sioners today what they considered q rea-
sonable schedule of taxicab rates to he
charged in the District of Columbia the
officials of the local taxicab companies
asked that the public tariffs TO be fixed
by the Commissioners be higher than the
present charges.
The schedule which the taxicab officials
desire is. in brief. as follows:
Forty cents for carrying two persons.
80 cents for three or more persons. Per
mile. This is the same rate as charged
at present.
Standing rate of $50 per hour. The
present rate is 81 per hour.
For going and returning from the place
where taxicab is used TO the central sta
ton. 20 cents per mile. There is no charge
for this at present
Initial charge OF so cents. The initial
charge at present is 80 cents.
Hearing on New Law.
The Commissioners devoted nearly two
hours to the conference with the repre-
sentatives of the taxicab interests in re-
gard to the execution Of the law contained
in the District appropriation bill. which
gives the Commissioners authority. after
que investigation. 10 prescribe REASONABLE
rates for taxicab service and also author
ICES them to ak a penalty for the viola
ton of the maximum charge. Final ac-
ton was not taken, inasmuch as the taxi
cab companies submitted a proposition as
to rates which the Commissioners will
take under consideration.
Mr.. A. L. Cline represented the Federal
Iaxicab Company. Capt. j. Ffckling and
q. Thomas Dunlop appeared for the Ter
minal Taxicab Company while several
@ officers n N les olS
present At the opening of the conference
Commissioner Macfarland read the law
as already stated. and Commissioner West
explained the steps which had already
been taken toward securing the execution
OF the act. Mr.. Cline was at first disposed
to question the Jurisdiction Of the Com
missioners. on the ground that taxicabs
operated from private garages were not
public vehicles. but in view of the direct
provision Of law this contention was
abandoned. Speaking for the taxicab
company, Mr.. Cline then submitted sew
eral suggestions as to rates.
Alleged Inaccuracy Of Meters.
The discussion OF these rates brought
up the question of the alleged inaccu-
racy OF the meters and also Of the com
plants OF overcharging. Mr.. Cline and
Capt Tickling stated that in every case
where an overcharge had been brought
to their attention and for which the
operator Of the cab was responsible the
discharge of the latter had Immediately
followed. it being claimed by the repre-
sentatives OF the companies that these
overcharges by dishonest drivers were
serious detriment to their business.
and that prompt correction OF the abuse
was matter of self-protection.
They stated that as tar as possible they
kept their meters in accurate condition
and made frequent tests In order that this
accuracy might be maintained. They were
willing. however. they stated. to hay.
these meters under supervision.
The conference was an informal one
and all Of the Commissioners subjected
the representatives Of the companies to
a large number of inquiries. Maj. Judson.
who participated in a board hearing for
the first time. manifesting considerable in
terest in the subject and asking a large
proportion OF the questions.
At the conclusion Of the conference the
representatives Of the companies stated
that up to the present time the operation
OF the taxicabs had not been remunera-
tive. the expense Of keeping the cabs In
repair having been greater than was at
first anticipated They suggested that IL
the Commissioners should establish rates
which did not allow a reasonable profit
upon the large amount of money invested
In the business, the taxicab companies
would seriously consider the proposition
Of taking the meters Off the cabs and
operating them az motor cars without US
ing the registers which are now attached.
Between midnight and o'clock am. IL
was suggested, one and one-third rates
should be charged.