Airport taxis without meters will be left at the curb

WASHINGTON - Another organization is joining the District in enforcing the mandated switch to time and distance meters in taxis.

WTOP has learned the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority won't allow its cab drivers to pick up passengers at Reagan National Airport if they do not have meters.

Drivers have until June 1 install the devices. After June 1, all cabs picking up fares at the airport will be required to have meters. The MWAA tells WTOP they will have their cab dispatch officers enforce the change.

Currently, MWAA-approved cabs throughout the region - some with the zone system and others with meters - are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport.

At Dulles International Airport, cabs are already required to have meters.

Many D.C. cab drivers have been reluctant to make the switch to time and distance meters from the zone system because they say they will lose money.

The zone system has continually been a source of frustration for passengers, who say the system leaves them guessing the amount they'll have to pay at the end of their trip.

All cab drivers in the District were supposed to have made the switch to meters on May 1.

However, drivers who are caught picking up passengers without a meter will receive a warning from the city until June 1. After June 1, drivers who do not have meters installed face a $1,000 fine

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