News

The Taxi Wars Head to Richmond

After months of battling regulators, Uber and Lyft are legal in Virginia. We price-compare the ride-sharing companies to a taxi and private car service.

By Editorial March 4, 2015 at 9:10 am

With no less than your cab fare at stake, pay-as-you-go pugilists Uber and Lyft have been duking it out with the taxicab industry over falling fare rates, lack of regulation and driver vetting for months.

After the state DMV briefly shut down the ride-sharing services in June for “operating without proper authority,” the Virginia House of Delegates has passed legislation requiring the on-demand car services to meet regulations more in line with the taxi industry.

The legislation, which was signed by the governor on Feb. 17, would require that drivers be 21 or older, get screened for background checks and hold a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance while carrying passengers.

Uber and Lyft agreed to the measures in August as part of a deal with the DMV. The legislation will codify the agreement. With that in mind, we compare how much it costs to get around Northern Virginia with a litany of ride-sharing services. —Carten Cordell and Michael Balderston


WHAT IT COSTS:*	Uber X: $11.40 Uber XL: $23.25 Uber Black: $30.74 UberSUV: $39.82 20% tip added to fare. Rates can change at peak times.	Lyft (1-3 people): $14.12 Lyft Plus (1-6 people): $20.42 App offers tip options of $1, $2, $5 or other. Rates can change at peak times.	$16.75; $1 for each additional passenger over the age of 12	Sedan: $237 for 3 hrs.; $79 each additional hour SUV: $267 for 3 hrs.; $89 for each additional hour Rates include modest gratuity but do not include parking or fuel surcharge.
SCHEDULING	● App uses your phone’s GPS to find the nearest driver pick you up. ● Can track driver from phone. ● Driver will text you on arrival. Driver contact information appears in the app.	● Request pickup through app, which pairs you with a driver. ● Can track driver’s ETA with app and can see a photo of them and the car.	● Can call for pickup. ● Some companies, such as Red Top Cab, have apps.	● A minimum of 3 hours’ notice; cars range from a sedan to a bus that holds 55 riders. ● Book through website, restonlimo.com, or call at 703-478-0500.
TRANSACTION PROCESS	● Credit card is on file with the app and will automatically be charged upon arrival at destination. No cash needed, and Uber will email you the receipt. ● Can split the fare between friends who have the app; app will charge all credit cards equally.	Credit card is on file with the app and will automatically be charged upon arrival at destination.	Cash or credit card.	● Trips longer than 3 hours require a 50% deposit at time of booking. ● Cancellation less than 2 hours prior to pickup will incur a fee of 100% of the estimated trip.
DRIVER REGULATION	● Must be 21 ● Background checks ● Signs identifying them as Uber drivers. ● Maintain $1 million in liability insurance while transporting passengers.	● Must be 21 ● Background checks ● Signs identifying them as Lyft drivers. ● Maintain $1 million in liability insurance while transporting passengers.	● Exemplary driving record ● Background check ● Must obtain and display a valid taxicab operator’s license. ● Must pass a test of their knowledge of local geography, driving laws and taxi regulations. ● Required to have a minimum of $300,000 of coverage for personal injury and $50,000 of coverage for personal property loss.	● Must obtain a Contract Passenger Carrier operating authority certificate. ● Provide proof of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.