NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  January 6, 2006   DC Taxicab Commission Approves Zone Fare Increase Increase becomes effective 12:01 am Monday, January 9, 2006 (Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission ("Commission") announced today the approval of a zone fare increase that will become effective at 12:01 am on Monday January 9, 2006, immediately upon termination of the $1.50 fuel surcharge the Commission imposed on September 9, 2005. The Commission's action brings some relief to owner operators who have seen operating costs, including fuel, maintenance and vehicle acquisition costs increase since May 2004 when the last fare increase was granted. According to information reviewed by the Commission, those costs have collectively increased an average of 20 percent since that time. The Commission approved increases varying from 18 percent for a one-zone trip, to 10 percent for trips traversing four or more zones. "We've got a lot of owner operators who face increased cost pressures and they need help," said Causton Toney, Chairperson of the Commission. "This action will continue the temporary relief that operators received through the fuel surcharge without putting an unreasonable burden on passengers." The rush hour surcharge ($1), and charges for each additional passenger ($1.50) remain unchanged. The new fares are as follows: Zones Old Fare New Fare Percent Increase 1 $ 5.50 6.50 (18%) 2 $ 7.60 8.80 (15%) 3 $ 9.50 11.00 (15%) 4 $11.50 12.60 (10%) 5 $12.80 14.00 (10%) 6 $14.10 15.50 (10%) 7 $16.20 17.80 (10%) 8 $17.20 18.90 (10%)   For additional information, contact DCTC Chairperson Causton A. Toney or DCTC Attorney Advisor Kimberly Lewis at (202) 645-6005.