ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington County Board is planning to vote on a possible increase for taxi fares in a few weeks.
The proposal has unanimous support in the Arlington County Transportation Commission and would take effect in July if approved.
Taxi operators are also on board as the increase would help them stay competitive while making up for inflation.
But how would the proposed change compare to other local rates?
THE QUESTION
How do taxi fares compare across the DMV?
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
Let's start with Arlington.
The proposed change would increase the base fee from $3 to $3.50 and bump the per-mile rate to $2.40/mile – an increase compared to the current $2.16/mile. That would add $1.22 to a three-mile ride, making the final cost $10.70 compared to the current $9.50.
That’s still cheaper than Prince William County, where the base fee is $4 and the price increases by $2.50 per mile. Assuming no additional fees, that makes a 3-mile ride cost $11.50.
Montgomery County is similar – $4 up front and $2 for every mile and $10 even for a three-mile ride.
Prince George’s County offers a lower base rate – only $3 to start – but that will tick up faster with a price of $2.10 per mile. For a three mile ride, it comes out lower than Montgomery County at $9.30.
Finally, D.C. is in the middle: $3.50 to start and then $2.16 per mile as you ride, making a three mile ride cost $9.98.
Take those fare estimates with a grain of salt though. There are also other costs involved in a taxi ride. They include extra passenger fees, luggage assistance fees, wait time and traffic rates, and special charges for emergency situations.
And if you or your friend accidentally get sick in the car, you’re likely in for some hefty fines. More information is available in the links above.
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