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Media Advisory
For immediate release:
June 22, 2022
For more information, contact:
Paulette L. Jones
Public Information Officer
Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T)
Office: (301) 883-5600 Cell: (240) 712-0298
Prince George’s County Enacts Taxicab Fuel Surcharge
Largo, MD – Prince George’s County is authorizing a $1 emergency fuel surcharge for taxicab fares in the County for a 120-day period, effective June 22, 2022. This action is due to the recent dramatic rise in fuel prices throughout the United States and the D.C metro region, which has had a difficult impact on the transportation industry. As a result, Prince George’s County taxicab operators will begin adding the $1 temporary fuel surcharge to taxicab trips.
Prince George’s County taxicab operators have endured many challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and increased fuel cost. To help offset the costs, both Uber and Lyft introduced a fuel surcharge in March.
“The soaring cost of fuel is almost doubling the cost to operate a taxi. There is no escape or shortcut, as fuel is a core business expense. As the cost goes up, it easily eats away at their daily take-home income.” said, Floyd E. Holt, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. “We hope this measure of the added temporary surcharge will ease that stress.”
The fuel cost emergency surcharge may not be charged to any person who is sixty (60) years and over or persons with disabilities. The $1 surcharge will expire on October 22, 2022, unless extended or terminated before said date.
According to the American Automobile Association, as of June 19, 2022, today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.98, which is $2.05 more than a year ago. The prices are the most expensive prices per gallon in United States history.
Some surrounding jurisdictions have already imposed additional surcharges on taxicab trips, including Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, and the District of Columbia. Other jurisdictions are either considering surcharges or have a higher gas price threshold before a surcharge would take effect.
For additional information, to view the new taxicab rates, and to stay up to date on the fuel surcharge, visit our website at https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1152/Taxi-Licensing.
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