Taxi Fares Are Changing on August 2 to Help Improve Driver Wages

Contact:Dory Peters - (202) 645-6006

The DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is announcing that for the first time in 12 years, taxi fares will be increasing in the District on August 2 to help improve driver wages; provide more incentives to serve residents, businesses, and visitors; and better align with fares in neighboring jurisdictions. Most fares will increase by about 20%.

"The upcoming increase in taxi fares will provide much-needed incentives for our hard-working taxi drivers to continue serving District residents and visitors," said DFHV Acting Director Jonathan Rogers. "Driving a taxi is an important career pathway, and the new fares ensure that our drivers are fairly compensated for their dedication and service in today's economy. This adjustment will help maintain a robust and reliable taxi service in the District, meeting the evolving needs of our community."

Taxi fares in the District have not changed since 2012. Taxi drivers requested a slight increase in fares after the City of Alexandria and Arlington County increased their fare structures (for example, the Alexandria Council approved a flag drop rate of $5 and a per mile rate of $2.60 in May 2024).

Customers in the District should expect to see the new fares beginning on August 2. Other rates, including extra passenger and wait time fares, will remain unchanged. The upcoming fare changes will only apply to street hails and phone dispatch and will not impact app-based dispatch services. See the chart below for the changes.

More than 60% of the trips in the District are under 2 miles, so for example, this change will increase the fare by $1.35 for 1-mile and $1.75 for 2-mile trips.

DFHV reminds customers that all taxis must use digital meters, which must be turned on when taking a trip. Taxi drivers are also required to accept credit cards. Customers can learn more about their rights by visiting DFHV's website. The agency uses several methods to receive complaints and compliments: online, by phone at (202) 645-7300, by email at [email protected], and through 311. To learn more about taxi fares, go to the agency's website.