The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1938-07-27
FARE INCREASE
SURE TO COME,
Cables AGREE
divide on Insurance
Plan; Some Fearful

Ran, some tedITul
Washington cab drivers await
the date when they must provide
liability for accidents with little
unanimity as to whether or not it
will help them.
Opinions among a dozen drivers
at downtown cab stands today
varied from that of the outspoken,
elderly drive who called it a
robbery" to the two
independents who believe it will be
distinct aid.
But practically all agree that
within a year the required insur-
ance will bring about an increase
in rates. There were differences
of opinion as to it's deSirability.
Several feared the drop in the
number of customers would more
than offset any gains. Four out
of the dozen favored the introduc-
ton Of meters.
DIAMOND TO WAIT
Meanwhile, Harry Davis, presi-
dent of the Diamond Cab Com
pany, said the company was not
contemplating filing an applica-
ton for q fare increase at this
time.
Ringgold Hart, the company'S
general counsel, said yesterday he
believed an increase would be-
necessary. But Davis said today
he favors an experimental period
of at least two months after the
insurance rates go into effect to
see whether the cabs operate
profitably. He also wants to see
whether some Of the casual
drivers and independents drop
out.
Washington drivers, ne said,
would pay materially lower rates
than similar cities. In Baltimore,
he said. the rate would be $35 per
month as compared to the $21 per
month here, while New York driv-
erS pay $25 per month for half
the liability received by the local
drivers.
FEWER CABS, Is HOPE
All drivers were hopeful that a
reduction in the number OF taxi
cabs in Washington might result.
But II the dizen who voiced their
opinions today can be taken as a
typical cross-Section, none expect
to give up the work themselves,
hoping some one else will be
eliminated.
Two. however, said they might
work at something else months
after the insurance becomes ef-
fective. Three drivers said they
would continue to operate for q
time after the insurance becomes
mandatory August %, and see
whether they can operate profit
ably. All three regarded the $21
a month which has been estimated
as the cost OF the required in
Surance rs a severe addition to an
already high operating cost, but
planned to try it before consider
ing seeking other work.
"METERS OR RELIEF
George F.. Elmer, of 9l6 Penn
sylvania Ave. 8. E., wears a sea
mans cap on his gray head. His
cab bears the name Of the "Hedic
Cab Company" That company,
he explained, operated the horse
drawn cab which he drove when
he first started hacking" in
Washington 80 years ago. He had
this to say:
THE day that insurance takes
effect, I shall put on my tire
cover q sign, Meter or Relief.
I can't pay that extra money
the way business is now. And
if we don't get meters, my wife
4 and / are going on relief"
Leonard Sisco, of 3249 Thirty
eighth st. N. w., associated with
the District Cab Association, said
he favored q meter cab system
with rates similar to those In
Baltimore as fairer both to the
driver and the customer.
James M. Dyer, who says he
makes q comfortable living and is
buying a home at 234 Jefferson
st. N. w., also favors the increase,
in hopes it will drive many cab
drivers back to North Carolina,
where they belong"
LIVING IMPOSSIBLE"
Albert H. Silva, of 5l2 Madison
Ave-, Riverdale, said the rate in
crease would make it impossible
for him to continue to support
his three children. And youth
full Landon EllWanger, of 1886
Kenyon St. N. W., who pays $2.75
per day to rent q Diamond Cab,
said he looked apprehensively to
the day when the increase would
be imposed, fearing he would no
longer be able to support him
self. .........
]
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