News

New Pilot Taxi Zone For Adams Morgan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

The DC Council passed an emergency bill authored by Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) yesterday to create a pilot taxi zone in Adams Morgan. During the late-night peak hours, an estimated 80% of the vehicular traffic in Adams Morgan is from cruising taxis searching for passengers.

The bill was unanimously passed by the Council.

At the public hearing on January 30, members of the Adams Morgan business community identified the urgent need for a taxicab zone before the summer. Leaders identified recurring and severe congestion along the busiest sections of 18th Street NW at peak hours.

Taxis often block neighborhood streets and add to congestion when searching for riders. Not only does this create gridlock, but it creates pollution. The increased traffic may also contribute to more accidents (both vehicular and pedestrian).

The pilot taxi zone will require taxis to report to a central location to pick up riders rather than drive through the streets to find their fares. Hack inspectors will be involved in enforcing this program.

The program is supported by the Adams Morgan Partnership (BID), ANC 1C, the Adams Morgan Main Street Association, and the Adams Morgan Business and Professionals Association.

“Taxi zones will reduce congestion and reduce pollution,” said Councilmember Graham. “The community looks forward to a new and improved process for orderly late-night taxi services in Adams Morgan.”

###