Arlington County’s taxicabs will become more fuel efficient as part of a major overhaul to the county’s taxicab rules.
Taxis initially will be required to get 26 miles per the gallon for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2010. By 2020, the standard will be 35 mpg. After July 1, 2012, though, taxis will be required to follow federal standards if they are more stringent than Arlington’s.
“We view the taxi industry as a very important component to our transportation system, [in regard] to the car-free diet,” said Mark Kellogg of Arlington’s Department of Transportation. “Technology’s changing, federal regulations are changing. So this is something we’ll be revisiting, probably within a few years.”
The fuel efficiency standards initially were advertised to adhere to federal standards, if more stringent, starting July 1, 2010. The Arlington County Board revised the language after Charlie King, vice president of Red Top Cab, lobbied for more time so that the fleets could be brought in line with shifting federal standards.
Currently, automakers’ car fleets must average a fuel efficiency standard of 27.5 miles per gallon, while light trucks — which include pickups and sport utility vehicles — must average 24 miles per gallon.
John Massoud, vice president of Blue Top Cab, said he has been working for the past three years on changing the rules. He said the company is requiring all its cars that are replaced after July 15 to be flex-fuel ethanol or hybrid vehicles.
Arlington County has revised its taxi regulations periodically over the past several decades to increase fares; recent changes provide for regular hearings — every two years, if necessary — to discuss potential rate changes.
In May 2008, taxicab employees appealed to the board for a fuel surcharge or rate increase amid soaring gasoline costs. The board enacted an emergency ordinance on June 17 calling for a $1 gasoline surcharge. A 20 cent increase in the mileage rate went into effect in August, replacing the surcharge.
Other provisions attempt to promote cab competition by increasing the application period for new companies.
Also, passengers will not be allowed to smoke in cabs, and drivers cannot smoke when providing cab service.
