(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray released the following statement on the D.C. Taxicab Commission’s decision today to restructure the taxicab fare system and modernize the District’s taxi fleet:

“The Commission’s proposal supports my goal of bringing D.C.’s taxi system into the 21st century. We need to improve the quality of service – including the ability for customers to pay by credit card – as well as revisit the rate schedule to ensure it is fair to both drivers and consumers and in line with rates in other cities. I look forward to reviewing the proposal in greater detail and hearing from the public.”

The Taxicab Commission’s report explaining the restructuring as well as the proposed new rules for the system are available on the Commission’s website at dctaxi.dc.gov. The new rules are open for a 30-day public-comment period, and the Commission is scheduled to meet again January 11 to hear any further comment on the changes.