D.C. taxi drivers aired their grievances before a D.C. Council committee Wednesday, crying out for representation on the regulatory agency that governs them, the D.C. Taxicab Commission.
The Commission currently has five members and three vacant seats, and usually only one or two members attend hearings and meetings.
Cab drivers said the empty seats are supposed to be filled by cab drivers, and that the watered-down commission is refusing to listen to drivers' need for higher fares.
"We believe that we should have a world class system, but at the same time we need a fair seat at the table," said Nathan Price, president of the D.C. Professional Taxicab Drivers Association.
Councilmember Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3, who heard the testimonies, told cab drivers that she had urged Mayor Vince Gray to make his appointments to the board.
But that wasn't enough for some incensed drivers, who want to be paid more than the $2.16 per mile that the commission recently proposed, up from the current $1.50 per mile.
"You are trying to bring slavery to us," cab driver Tadelle Tilahun said. "You’re going to give us 66 cents as a raise? People are laughing at you guys."
D.C. Taxicab Commission Chairman Ron Linton was not at the hearing for medical reasons, Cheh said.
