Montgomery County Extends Temporary Emergency Fuel Surcharge For Taxicabs

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Nancy Kutz, 240-777-2227

For Immediate Release (July 19, 2000)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXTENDS TEMPORARY
EMERGENCY FUEL SURCHARGE FOR TAXICABS

Montgomery County officials yesterday extended the temporary $1 emergency surcharge on all taxicab fares until October 16, 2000. The surcharge originally became effective on April 18, 2000 and expired on July 18, 2000.

The emergency measure was extended to give relief to cab drivers because of the continuing high price of gasoline in Montgomery County. The $1 surcharge will be added to every taxicab trip, with the exception of trips to Washington, D.C. or Virginia.

Taxicab drivers lease their taxicabs and earn a living by the profit they make from taxicab fares. Without the surcharge, the drivers will continue to have difficulty paying their daily expenses. The situation could become worse as gas prices are expected to continue to increase in this area over the summer.

"The need for a surcharge is still necessary to insure the viability of our taxi industry," said Al Genetti, director of the County's Department of Public Works and Transportation.

"Since it remains difficult to recruit drivers in this economy, the surcharge is also needed to retain drivers and to attract new people to the business," he said.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) regulates the County's taxicab industry by ensuring that it operates under established standards. DPWT licenses all taxicab vehicles and drivers. The county also regulates rates charged by taxicabs.

Residents may request more information about the surcharge or ask for a free brochure on taxicab service in the County by calling the Taxicab Office at 240-777-2227; writing to the Taxicab Office, at 101 Monroe Street, 5th floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850; or send an email to taxicab.office@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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