TRAVEL TIPS

Taxi Travel

Taxis are easy to hail in commercial districts, less so in residential ones. If you don't see one after a few minutes, walk to a busier street. If you call, make sure to have an address—not just an intersection—and be prepared to wait, especially at night. D.C. cabs are independent operators and the various companies' cars all have a different look, some better than others! If you're traveling to or from Maryland or Virginia, your best bet is to call a Maryland or Virginia cab, which generally are more reliable. But they're not allowed to take you from point to point in the District or pick you up there if you hail them, so don't be offended if one passes you by.

Fares

The base rate for the first one-eighth mile is $3.25. Each additional one-eighth mile is $0.27, and each minute stopped or traveling at less than 10 mph is $0.42. The passenger surcharge is $0.25 and each additional passenger is $1. The telephone dispatch fee is $2. During D.C.-declared snow emergencies, there is an additional $15 fee. Cab rates in Virginia differ by county, but immediately surrounding D.C., riders should expect to pay $3–$6 for the first quarter mile and between $0.50 and $0.65 for each additional quarter mile. Extra passengers usually face a $1 surcharge.

Taxi Companies

Barwood. (Maryland) 301/984–1900; www.barwoodtaxi.com.

Diamond. 202/387–6200.

District. 202/398–0500.

Red Top. (Virginia) 703/522–3333; www.redtopcab.com.

Yellow. 202/544–1212; www.dcyellowcab.com.

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