- Temporary reduction aims to support service through the pandemic
- Cites taxicab service importance to passengers in wheelchairs
The Arlington County Board has approved a temporary reduction in the 2021 annual taxicab certificate fee, citing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on taxicab services in the County, and their importance as a transportation option, particularly for persons using wheelchairs.
“We’ve seen the reduction in taxicab services accelerate during the pandemic,” Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said. “Yet they remain an important part of our multi-layered transportation network. Their services include wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleets, vehicles that are critically important to many in our disability community. We hope this fee reduction will help preserve this important transportation option to serve our residents and visitors—including those with disabilities—as we continue to work with our business community and residents to get through this pandemic.”
The Board voted unanimously at its January 26, 2021 Recessed Meeting to reduce the annual certificate of public convenience and necessity fee from $150 to $50 per vehicle and to waive this fee for wheelchair accessible vehicles.
With six taxicab services in Arlington, the reduced certificate fees will mean a $49,650 reduction in revenues to the County in 2021, if the companies renew the same number of taxicabs as in 2020.
To read the staff report, scroll to Item No .46 on the agenda for the January Recessed County Board Meeting.