Taxis & taxes

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - As far as transportation goes, June is turning out to be a very important month around the D.C. region.

If you didn't know by now,  Sunday was the deadline for all cabs in the District to install time and distance meters or face a $1,000 fine. With gas prices as high as they are, and some metered trips expected to tally lower fares than the zone system, $1,000 is a fine many drivers simply can't chance. Make no mistake about it — the chapter on the zone system in D.C. cabs is coming to a close.

In Virginia, June 23 is marked on lawmakers’ schedules as the day to meet in special session in Richmond to discuss transportation and only transportation.

In the wake of the Virginia Supreme Court ruling that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority could not collect special fees and taxes, this special session becomes the lifeline for improved roads, rails and infrastructure in the commonwealth. Governor Tim Kaine has proposed a set of statewide taxes that would raise millions for transportation projects every year — but there are battle-lines drawn over certain issues.

This special session is also critical for the Metro system because $50 million a year in this transportation plan would go toward the upkeep of the system, an amount the District, Virginia and possibly the federal government have said they will match. But without the $50 million from Virginia, the plan could collapse.

Stay tuned.

TRAFFIC/TRAVEL ADVISORIES

CANAL ROAD:

The D.C. Department of Transportation is starting a two-week repaving effort along Canal Road in Northwest, tonight.

Milling and repaving will take place between Foxhall Road NW and Arizona Avenue NW. The work is scheduled after rush hours, beginning at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 5 the next morning. There will be detours set up along the busy commuter stretch.

If you can find a way around the work zone, you're being advised to do so. All the repaving is expected to be finished by June 13.

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