Environmental Services
Taxicab Regulation
GENERAL INFORMATION
The operation of taxicab service within Arlington is governed by the Arlington County Taxicab Ordinance. All taxicabs and taxicab drivers must be licensed by Arlington County. The County’s Hack Inspector, an officer in the Arlington Police Department, is responsible for addressing the licensing of drivers and inspection of taxicabs as well as addressing concerns about all taxicab violations. The County’s Taxicab Industry Regulator, a member of the Transportation Planning Bureau found under the Department of Environmental Services, is responsible for monitoring and regulating Arlington’s taxicab companies.
The Arlington County Taxicab Ordinance (Chapter 25.1 of the Arlington County Code) regulates and controls taxicab service in Arlington County, the operation of taxicabs for hire, rates and charges for service, and the character and qualifications of operators through the issue of certificates of public convenience and necessity, in order to preserve the health, safety, welfare and property of Arlington County citizens and the public at large, as well as assuring robust competition among providers that results in quality Taxicab Service throughout Arlington.
INDUSTRY INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS
Important industry information for drivers related to current operator rates, credit card fees charged to drivers, and company contracts/agreements is now available.
NEWS
May 2013
MEETING: The County Board's Recessed Meeting, May 21st: Transfer of the EnviroCAB Taxi Certificate/ownership.
MEETING: Transportation Commission Agenda: Transfer of the EnviroCAB Taxi Certificate/ownership.
December 2012
MEETING: At their December 10th meeting, the County Board awarded 22 new taxicab certificates in an effort to meet growing demand for high-quality, reliable taxicab service. View the press release for additional information.
November 2012
MEETING: At the November 27th County Board Meeting, the Board heard the item for Taxi Certificates Allocation, which had over 30 speakers and presentations by 9 applicants. Public testimony is now closed. It is anticipated that the County Board will deliberate and vote on this item at the December Board Meeting.
October 2012
MEMO: The 2012 Taxicab Certificate Allocation Report is now available. This item will be heard at the November County Board Meeting.
REPORT: The final Taxicabs Service Assessment Report, which was released in September, is now available. 
MEETING: During the Transportation Commission's October 4th meeting, 10 applicants for taxicab certificates had the opportunity to present.
July 2012
REPORT: The County Manager recommends that there be a 5% to 7% increase (40 to 55 additional taxicabs) as well as five (5) new wheelchair-accessible vehicles to the currently authorized 765 taxicabs. Based on staff's evaluation of both quantitative and public input data, there is sufficient basis to justify an increase in the number of taxicabs authorized to operate in the county. This report provides a summary of the data that supports this recommendation. 2012 Certificates Determination Report >>
FORM: Also, the 2012 Application for Taxicab Certificates >> is now available. Applicants can submit their applications beginning July 1. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2012.
REPORT: Later in the summer of 2012, the entire Arlington Taxicabs Service Assessment Analysis Report will be available.
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November 2011
The Arlington County Board approved amendments to the Taxicab Ordinance allowing an increase in the mileage rate from $2 per mile to $2.10 per mile, and restricting the extra passenger charge to those 12 years old and older. These amendments will take effect Jan. 1, 2012.
October 2011
The Arlington County Board at its regular meeting on Saturday, November 19, 2011 (or recessed meeting on Tuesday, November 29, 2011) will consider amendments to § 25.1-12 (Rates of Fare) of Chapter 25.1 (Taxicabs) of the Arlington County Code. In addition to the fare increase alternatives described below, the Board will be asked to consider an ordinance amendment that will require taxicabs to be equipped to accept, and to accept, payment by credit card.
Notice of Proposed Taxicab Fare Increase
FAQ
Who do I contact with questions regarding the Arlington County Taxicab Ordinance?
Complaints or questions regarding licensing of drivers, inspection, and enforcement of the Arlington County Taxicab Ordinance should be directed to the County Hack Inspector or call 703-228-4255.
Questions regarding implementation of the ordinance should be directed to the Taxicab Regulator or call 703-228-3141.
What are the set taxicab rates of fare for Arlington County?
The rate schedule for fares and service charges is as follows:
- For the first one-sixth (1/6) mile (initial drop charge): two dollars and seventy-five cents ($2.75)
- For each succeeding one-six
CONTACT US
TAXICAB ORDINANCE
Enforcement Questions or Complaints
County Hack Inspector
703-228-4255
Implementation Questions
Arlington Taxicab Regulator
703-228-3141