Meter

I just took my first-ever ride in a meter-equipped DC cab. It wound up costing almost precisely what it would have cost under the old zone system. But if I'd want to travel a bit further, it would have cost marginally more. Similarly, if I'd wanted to take a slightly shorter trip, it would have cost slightly less money. Crazy idea.

Comments

Last time I was in DC I left my glasses in a cab. You didn't find them, by chance?

Posted by Tom in Raleigh | May 9, 2008 12:04 PM

Matt, why aren't you on your bike?

Posted by tinisoli | May 9, 2008 12:18 PM

Does Mr. T still drive for D.C. Cab? maybe i should check Friedman's archives to see if he quoted anyone saying "jibber jabber"

Posted by sean | May 9, 2008 12:27 PM

What's so crazy about knowing you're not getting ripped off under the fare system? I've lived in DC for 15 years now and still don't understand the zone system or how much I should pay under it - has always been a source of frustration.

Posted by dcguy | May 9, 2008 1:32 PM

What's so crazy about knowing you're not getting ripped off under the fare system? I've lived in DC for 15 years now and still don't understand the zone system or how much I should pay under it - has always been a source of frustration.

Posted by dcguy | May 9, 2008 1:32 PM

dcguy- Matt was being facetious. It was difficult to tell.

Posted by Peter | May 9, 2008 1:37 PM

Its actually cheaper for me to go work or out. By far the best move of the year by any politician - Thanks Mayor Fenty!

Posted by walter | May 9, 2008 1:44 PM

Matt, why aren't you on your bike?

Went from the airport straight to my girlfriend's house last night, then had to hurry from her place to the office so as to not miss a meeting with Andy Stern. High carbon emissions in the service of progressive values!

Posted by Matthew Yglesias | May 9, 2008 2:13 PM

High carbon emissions in the service of progressive values!

Or perhaps in the service of nookie.

Posted by Dilan Esper | May 9, 2008 4:29 PM

Why didn't you ride the bus?

Posted by Just Karl | May 9, 2008 5:23 PM

What I want to know is, while they're putting meters in DC cabs, why can't they install turn signals too?

Posted by suburban-dc-guy | May 9, 2008 5:47 PM

Wait, they have cabs in DC? You're lying. Trying to catch a cab at 8 in the morning near Penn Station is like trying to find a living mouse in a house full of cats.

Posted by Reality Man | May 10, 2008 9:40 AM