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Washington DC Taxis

Everything You Need To Know About Taxis in Washington DC

By , About.com Guide

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Washington DC Taxis© Paul Simcock
Taxis are a convenient way to get from place to place in Washington DC. Surprisingly, they can be an affordable option when you have a group of people traveling together. Taxis will pick you up from anywhere in the city and deliver you directly to your destination.

Hailing a Taxi in Washington DC

The best places to find a taxi are along the busier streets, in front of hotels and major attractions, around the perimeter of the National Mall, and outside of Union Station. Hailing a taxi is as simple as stepping off the curb and holding out your arm. You can also call to arrange for one in advance.

Washington DC Taxi Passenger Limits

  • A maximum of four passengers can ride in a four passenger taxicab or five passengers in a five passenger taxicab.

  • A passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the taxicab is allowed to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.

Key Things to Know About Washington DC Taxis

  • No taxicab operator shall refuse to transport an individual based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, political affiliation, disability, or source of income, and place of residence or business.

  • Always take the receipt from the driver. The taxicab name and number are located on the side of the taxicab vehicle as well as on the Passenger Rights document displayed on the back of the front passenger seat, which also shows the vehicle tag number. The operator’s name, his/her ID card number and vehicle tag number appear on the receipt. If you lose property in a cab or wish to make a complaint or give a compliment, the DC Taxicab Commission can track down the driver/taxicab from this information.

Washington DC Taxi Fares

  • Minimum taxi fare is $3.00.
  • The mileage charge is $2.16 per mile.
  • Each additional passenger, after the first (children under 6 ride free) is $1.00, with a maximum passenger fee of $3.00.
  • A luggage charge may be charged of $.50 per item placed in the trunk.
  • Surcharge for each trip originating at the Reagan National Airport taxi stand is $2.50.
  • Phone dispatch fee is $2.00.
  • Dismissal without use (after cab has arrived) is $1.50.
  • There is a $15 per hour surcharge for waiting.
  • Add 25% during a snow emergency.
  • Some, but not all, Washington DC taxis currently accept credit cards.
  • Except for declared snow emergency fares, the regular metered fare not including extra charges and surcharges, can not exceed $19 for any one way trip originating and ending in the District of Columbia.

Washington DC Taxi Complaints

If you ever have any problems with a Washington DC Taxi, you may file a complaint in writing to:

DC Taxicab Commission
2041 Martin Luther King Junior Ave. SE, Suite 204, Washington, DC 20020-7024
Phone: (202) 645-6018
Email: dctc@dc.gov
Website: dctaxi.dc.gov

Taxi Companies in Washington DC

There are more than 150 taxicab companies registered with the DC Taxicab Commission. These are the largest and most prominent ones.

Pedicabs - Pedal Powered Taxis

The newest mode of transportation around the city is the Pedicab, a bicycle rickshaw. This makes a nice open-air sightseeing transportation option in good weather. Read more about Pedicabs in Washington DC.

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