WASHINGTON — A proposed surcharge of $2 on rideshares into downtown has created a split between a D.C. councilmember and the city's mayor. The surcharge would bring in millions of dollars which would go toward increased bus service.
The plan, which made it out of committee on Wednesday, was proposed by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, who represents Ward 1. The $2 surcharge would be placed on all rides into the downtown area from 7 a.m. to noon, and all rides leaving downtown from noon to 7 p.m.
Nadeau said that the impacted area would be the Central Business District, and some adjacent areas like The Wharf and L'Enfant Plaza.
"It changes behaviors," said Nadeau. "If $2 is going to hurt someone’s pocket book than they might make another choice. And that’s really what we need.”
Nadeau's staffer told WUSA9 that this proposal would raise $45 million over four years, including $13 million in the first year. Of that $13 million, approximately $10.3 million would be used to improve service at 12 major bus lines, including overnight service. The rest of the money would go to wheelchair access programs and other administrative costs.
"Taking that $10 million and using it to fund bus overnight helps us restore funding to that program that we had promised to the public.”
The idea has already been blasted by Mayor Muriel Bowser, who called the proposal a "terrible idea" in a Thursday press conference.
"Any effort to attack the downtown," she said, "taking capital dollars out – or actually charging people to come downtown extra – is the antithesis to a comeback.”
Mayor Bowser has been pushing for a greater focus on bringing commercial activity back downtown, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Nadeau argued that part of that recovery should include a greater emphasis on public transit.
"If property values rebound to a downtown that is unpleasant, unhealthy, and exclusive, what have we actually gained," she wrote in a statement to WUSA9. "DC's comeback needs to be about articulating the city we want to be. I think gridlock and pollution are the anthesis of our entire future.”
The plan has been criticized by rideshare companies. An Uber spokesperson sent WUSA9 the following statement:
"When DC riders look at their Uber receipts today, they see a substantial amount in fees which include a 6% fee on each ride to pay for WMATA and a $5 fee to get to and from the region’s airports. Adding an additional $2 fee on top of today’s current fees will not reduce congestion. In fact, additional costs will deter individuals from access to rideshare. If the Council wishes to fund free buses, it should look to the millions of dollars that rideshare users have already contributed towards maintaining the region’s major transit system."
Nadeau pointed to other cities, which have initiated these types of surcharges. In early 2020, Chicago placed a surcharge on rideshare vehicles heading in and out of their downtown.
The bill, which made it out of committee on Wednesday, will now need a vote in the full council to become law.