Alexandria (Map, News) - Travelers arriving at Reagan National Airport now have a new option when hailing a cab.

Alexandria Union Cab Co. opened for business on the first of February, breaking a monopoly held by Yellow and Diamond Cab Cos., both of which are owned by the same person. Unlike Yellow and Diamond, Union Cab is owned and operated by drivers.

“Alexandria’s taxi monopoly has been broken,” said Syed Hussain, a driver and president of the company. “We’re proud owners of our own company.”

The idea of the company started after the 2001 Reagan shutdown.

“They were completely out of income,” said Jon Liss, executive director of the Tenants and Workers United, the group that helped the drivers organize. “We started having a conversation about the problem, and together with the drivers we developed an analysis” on how drivers could start their own firm. Neither Yellow or Diamond cab companies returned phone calls.

This was done by changing Alexandria law. In the 1980s, due to an influx of immigrant cab drivers, Alexandria enacted a law requiring drivers have an affiliation with a company. The company in turn controlled the paperwork that allowed the cab to operate, while drivers had to pay for the actual car, operating expenses, and city fees.

Once Reagan reopened, cab drivers began working to change this law. In 2005, the Alexandria City Council passed a new taxi ordinance that allowed drivers to form a cooperative company. Union Cab was formed under the new law, and began operations this month.

“Cab drivers were bound to the company they were at,” Liss said. “This new company allows drivers to have a stake in their own company.”

dfrancis@dcexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

3:17 PM MST on Mon., May. 12, 2008 re: "Kaine will seek tax increases for roads"

Examiner Reader said:
people are already loseing there homes and the houseing markett is in the dirt they know the houseing market is takeing a beating and now gov kaine is wanting to raise the price of taxes if u sell your house get real the way it is now people owe more on there house then its worth if u sell it your already going to take a loss if u sell do people want to take a bigger loss when they sell because of a higher tax i think they need to stop trying to raise taxes on houses and gas they have already been taxed to death and in a very bad crunch kaine needs to stop trying to tax everything to death compleately not doing a thing for people of va.

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8:08 PM MST on Fri., May. 9, 2008 re: "Kaine to unveil roads plan Monday"

Examiner Reader said:
kaine needs to quit yelling new taxes every time he turns around and work with the tons of tax money people of va are already paying,how about useing some of the money we pay for county stickers here in va to help pay for roads,other states dont have to buy county stickers,how about telling the people of va were all that county sticker money is spent, that every driver in va has to buy at twenty bucks a pop that is a bunch of money and if say its spent on schools try again regular traffic fines and lottery money are suppose to go towards schools,so tell us here in va were our county sticker money is being wasted,trying to squeeze us out of a ride every time we turn around from sky high gas to higher tagg fees to county stickers to state sticker fees to insurence,how do they think the few people that has still got a job is going to get to it,kaines answer to everything is more taxs worst gov this state has ever had.

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9:33 PM MST on Wed., May. 7, 2008 re: "Kaine sets roads session for June 23"

Examiner Reader said:
looks like kaine and the rest havent learned yet they still trying to screw va people who are broke already mabe 170 thousand people need to go to washington march and protest there crap this time instead of doing a online petition once again not everyone in this state lives in richmond and hampton if they have a problem with bottle necks mabe they should stop over building and over crowding in one area, heres a soultion to there problem move to another part of va thats not so bottle necked kaine and the rest need to stop trying to ripp all of va off to fund roads in there area just so they dont have to wait in traffic a xtra hour to get home.(oh by the way with the comments paula miller made in this news story mabe the people need to flex there muscles come election time again and flex her out of a job.

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10:50 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Report finds D.C. region unprepared for spike in traffic"

Brian said:
It's utterly ridiculous that the DC government even mentions the idea of tearing down the Whitehurst Freeway when we have a looming problem like this just around the corner. We need more Whitehurst Freeways throughout our city and region. The conversion of 16th Street into an expressway that links with I295 is essential to this region. So to is connecting Rte. 50 with I66, and this is only the beginning of what we need as a solution. Most major cities have freeways that run through them. Boston has the Big Dig, Los Angles has I110, Baltimore has I83, and Philadelphia has I76 and I95. Why can't this region's public officials fulfill their obligation to the public to provide sound infrastructure rather than just an overpriced, underutilized baseball stadium, which ADDS excess traffic to the region I might add.

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10:08 AM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Muni underground train stations lack guardrails for blind"

Examiner Reader said:
Platform screen doors, like those at SFO Airtain will be the answer. In addition to all the airport installations, similar PSD is used in London Jubilee Line, Hong Kong West Rail, Singapore Metro, and is currently considered for NY Transit. It is money, but it is well worth it!

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1:49 AM MST on Fri., Jan. 25, 2008 re: "More people riding bicycles, report says"

Examiner Reader said:
What are these bicycle facilities that were installed between August 2006 and 2007?!?

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10:26 AM MST on Tue., Dec. 18, 2007 re: "Plans for long-awaited MARC bridge at Halethorpe Station near fruition"

Halethorpe MARC Rider said:
It's about time the Halethorpe MARC station got its long-overdue improvement. A fellow MARC rider posted an Arbutus Times article that touted a 'New Walking Bridge' at Halethorpe BACK IN 2003! That article is still there today (Dec 2007). Well, I'm glad that the Maryland Dept of Transp finally said to AMTRAK 'Enough delays, let's get this done!' It is especially treacherous right now for Halethorpe riders to return to their cars--one slip on the narrow bridge sidewalk and BAM! you're in the roadway and hit by a whizzing car! I have genuine sympathy for the older MARC riders who have to walk up & down those stairs every day. PLEASE PLEASE let the Halethorpe MARC station improvement a reality--as quickly as possible before there's a serious injury or fatality.

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9:32 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 15, 2007 re: "Police urging safety after four motorcycle deaths"

Marty Powers said:
Makes one wonder what the legislators in this state are thinking about. If memory serves, a consolidated effort to to attach a fee to motorcycle registratins acheived it's goal to fund the MSF course. Our illustrious legislators then cut that funding saying " we can't ear mark funds for this prupose". If not mistaken, they turned around the following year or two after that and ear marked funds generated by another registration increaseover and above the previous increase as monies earmarked for the life flight helicopters. It must be ok to earmark tax/registration increases for body removal but not for rider education!

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6:55 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 7, 2007 re: "Zipcar to add more cars at Metro stations"

Vilyamft,Hello! great idea of color of this siyte! said:
Hello! great idea of color of this siyte!

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8:36 AM MST on Sat., Aug. 4, 2007 re: "Free-ride program aims to keep drunken drivers off the roads"

torokilopz said:
Hi all! Well done, this site is really great. Just wanted to say hello, keep up the good work! G'night

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7:13 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 29, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner reader Danny G said:
Since I ran out of space lines and words,I wante to conclude saying that if the department of highway safety can pass laws in the state of Virginia to create higher speeding tickets in the state of Virginia,without getting the approval of the citizens of Virginia,we need to crack down back on them and legalize radar dectors throughout the entire state of Virginia and regional areas of Virginia,to pass this law into effect.I say it should happen.

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11:24 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 10, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Cassio M said:
The problem is, it is not difficult to get points in VA. It is pure emtrapment. Let's say that the going traffic is going at 55 and you need to pass a big truck. As soon as gain speed to pass it, who do you see? A hidden cruiser with a radar gun. They don't care about the aggressive drivers, it is all about money and now with the new laws, more than ever. I am moving to MD and give them my tax money. Commonwealth my......ss

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6:48 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 10, 2007 re: "New transportation plan imposes gas tax"

Examiner Reader said:
This gas tax story appears to be from january. Slow news day????

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1:04 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 9, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Gary Morris said:
I have been a Virginia resident for almost 11 years, and all I have ever heard is how they are going to fix Rt. 81 to make it safer, but it has NEVER happened. We are taxed plenty in this state, but they STILL can't seem to fix our roads? It has NEVER been about public/driver safety, it has ALWAYS been about money for the state, but we have never seen results of the extreme fines they have been charging us for years. If they were concerned with public safety, they would REMOVE THE DRUNKS FROM THE ROAD, not fine them. The trouble they put honest Virginians through over insurance issues is just appallling, making you be on SR-22 for THREE YEARS over a simple, quick lapse of insurance? They're pocketing ALOT of money that we have never, and probably never will see the benefits of. They should be ashamed of themselves, because quite frankly, they're crooks....

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7:51 AM MST on Thu., Jul. 5, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner Reader said:
This should also help home sales in Va. Why do we keep making it so expensive to live here? I'm sure glad that illegal aliens don't have to obey another law! Let's help them screw us somemore! Does the rest of the U.S. realize how messed up Va. is? I really doubt it.

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1:45 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 2, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner Reader said:
This is another way the government is screwing with the middle class ...its bad enough with high gas prices, now they're going to charge us $1000 for going 5 mph over the speed limit. If they are going to start hurting the wallets of teenagers and college students who make $10 and hour and barely make $3000 over a summer...why dont they go after speeders who are driving rich SUV looking cars and jaguars/meercedes, BMW, etc. at least they'd know they were stopping someone who can afford it and not some poor kid who was just going 5-10 mph over the limit to work at his/her $8.00 an hour job and basically will screw with their ability to save money at all. This is another way to screw with the middle class and I think congress should step in and stop this. Rich people wont care, they will just keep driving the way they always drive because they can afford the fines. It will hurt middle and lower class the most, and teenagers/college students who dont make much money. Its not fair to pen

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11:13 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 1, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner Reader said:
This will only happen a few times then people will get wise to it and carry guns. Just like a few years ago when cops were cracking down on speeders, it lasted a few months then the cops started dying. Soon after the number of tickets dropped, a cop isn't going to ticket you if he knows he may die in the process. Obviously someone in VA is to ignorant to learn from his/her past mistakes.

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9:24 AM MST on Sun., Jul. 1, 2007 re: "I-95 construction to ease weekday traffic jams � eventually"

Examiner Reader said:
I read recently, that the state of Virginia recently passed a bill, which would add a surcharge for traffic citations from ($750-$3000) with the max being $3000.00 for twenty miles over the speed limit. Now, this is in addition to the regular fine a person would have to pay. They are doing this, to raise money for the road ways....In addition, i think it would deter some of these clowns from speeding on the road ways.. Just think, get caught speeding, and you not only get a fine, which can be something like $400-$500 dollars, but get hit a with a surcharge that can range from ($750-3000) dollars.......... Great Idea, if you ask me.

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5:41 PM MST on Sat., Jun. 30, 2007 re: "Regional government nearing decision on transit projects"

Examiner Reader said:
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) can be an effective complement to the transportation network in Northern Virginia. The costs, service and impact can be far superior to many other options. It was the subject of three recent local Technology Mobility seminars which can be viewed at www.washingtonairports.com. We need to be innovative in DC and not just keep doing the same thing hoping for different results. PRT is being developed in England, Sweden and Korea. The US is falling behind on transportation innovation.

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7:32 AM MST on Fri., Jun. 29, 2007 re: "Harford residents hear of I-95, local traffic changes"

Harford County, MD reader said:
The proposed closing of Old Mt. Rd. should not be permitted. I hope enough people can contact their representatives in Annapolis to put pressure on the MD Tranps. Auth. to quash this. The closure would cause hardship on motorists, and the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Company. Plus, MDTA wants to relocate the newly rebuilt park & ride--what a waste of tax dollars!

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12:13 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 25, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner Reader said:
i hope this wrecks albo's career.

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9:45 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 25, 2007 re: "Tougher fines around corner for Va. drivers"

Examiner Reader said:
I pray Del. David Albo is the first. This needs to get removed THIS session and Del. David Albo needs to get removed the next election.

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11:40 AM MST on Sat., Jun. 16, 2007 re: "Alexandria shuttle could switch to trolley system"

Examiner Reader said:
Now might be the time to make that proposed trolley the start of a real streetcar (light rail) system to service not only the waterfront and King Street Metro/Amtrak, but the rest of the city as well.

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2:39 AM MST on Sat., Jun. 16, 2007 re: "Alexandria shuttle could switch to trolley system"

Examiner Reader said:
The proposed "Alexander Trolley" is not a trolley but instead another bus, with a trolley facade. Trolleys can be identified by either a single pole (the trolley pole) making contact with an overhead electrical wire and running on steel rails (trolley) ot dual poles/wire and running on rubber tires (trolley bus). Please do not contine to confuse people by publishing incorrect information.

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8:02 AM MST on Tue., Jun. 12, 2007 re: "Intercounty Connector gets Montgomery parkland"

Examiner Reader said:
Are they still actually going to build this $3 billion barrel of pork? I thought MD had a budget deficit to contend with...$3 billion in additional debt - OK. Perhaps I can get a new job at one of the toll booths.

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10:23 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 4, 2007 re: "Work underway to improve ramp to Wisconsin Avenue"

Examiner Reader said:
very good informations - by Holger Gischlar

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3:39 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "Law extends Va.�s HOV exemption for hybrid vehicles"

Examiner Reader said:
Regarding the previous comment. My Prius gets 50 man mpg, all of the time, not just when commuting in HOV lanes (a small fraction of my driving) and even 4 of them produce far fewer pollutants than the 20 year old clunker. And for the record the legal PURPOSE of the HOV lanes is to reduce pollution. Reducing the number of cars is a way but not the only way, hence the clean fuel exemption. BTW, not everyones schedule is conducive to carpooling. Finally, HOV lanes are not that congested and if you get the REAL cheaters out you will find them musc less so.

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6:20 AM MST on Tue., May. 29, 2007 re: "Law extends Va.�s HOV exemption for hybrid vehicles"

Examiner Reader said:
Unfortunately, the "politically correct" extension is poorly thought out. If a 20 year old clunker that gets 14 MPG uses the HOV Lanes, with 4 people in it, that's 56 'man-miles' per gallon and three other vehicles NOT congesting traffic. A Hybrid that gets 51 MGP for a single (anti-social?) passenger is less efficient and fails to meet the intended reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads - the purpose of the Federally funded portion of the HOV lanes in the first place. BTW - I regularly try to pick up 'slugs' at both ends, even outside of HOV times. I feel that is more 'socially responsible' and beneficial to the environment than driving a car that, whatever the technology that allows maximizing mileage, is still a gasoline powered vehicle... and using it as an excuse to cheat. The speed that is stored as electricity when slowing down or going downhill is originally created by a gasoline engine. Still only 51 (+/-) MPG on gasoline, not required to be plugged in

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9:01 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Free bus rides available in N.Va. on days when air is unhealthy"

Examiner Reader said:
I think that its a great idea to be able to ride the bus free when the weather outside is unhealthy. Not only is it more healthy to us, its more healthy to our environment as a whole. Great choice!! People take complete advantage of this to prevent anymore damage to our environment e.j. greenhouse gases.....etc.

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5:46 PM MST on Wed., May. 16, 2007 re: "Motorists can get help when crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge"

Examiner Reader said:
$30.00 for assistance to get across the bridge is absurd and highway robbery. I've been across that very scary bridge once and hope I never have to cross it again. It's not like there are other options. Why couldn't they build something more usuer friendly and less like a hair raising amusement park ride. How dare you allow such a charge.

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10:27 AM MST on Wed., May. 2, 2007 re: "D.C. may hit commuters with tolls"

Examiner Reader said:
I think this is a great idea, being a resident for over 48 yrs I have watched folks come into the city and bleed this city dry of income and commute back to MD, VA, NY etc. Our city need more affordable housing and jobs for our residents.

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10:22 AM MST on Wed., May. 2, 2007 re: "D.C. may hit commuters with tolls"

Examiner Reader said:
Oh no. I saw that PRT system. It's a major waste of time and money. Sorry. Everyone gets his/her own personal train car. Loading is slower. Energy use is less efficient. Maintenance is higher. Setup costs are higher. It's just a bad dream come true.

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10:18 AM MST on Wed., May. 2, 2007 re: "D.C. may hit commuters with tolls"

Examiner Reader said:
What??? Are they serious? ROTFL!!!

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1:40 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Criticism mounts against Fairfax board�s closed meetings"

Examiner Reader said:
So the Board of Supervisors is still not listening, even ignoring a legal entity. You gotta wonder whats going on.

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1:35 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Criticism mounts against Fairfax board�s closed meetings"

Examiner Reader said:
Smyth and Connolly have a history of using secrecy and exclusion to keep their constituents in the dark. They are only concerned with density for their largest campaign contributors. But some Democrats want their party back and are tired of having (D) stand for Developer under under Connolly and Smyth, who was only his second choice for the empty suit seat in Providence. Providence needs its own Supervisor, not a Connolly/Developer puppet.

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10:56 AM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Documents put first half of rail cost at $2.64 billion"

Examiner Reader said:
A much better solution would be put a rail station adjacent to Tysons at ground level and connect it to a several locations within Tysons with a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) circulator system. An example of such a system can be seen at www.vectusprt.com, now being constructed in Uppsala, Sweden.

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6:17 AM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Law extends Va.�s HOV exemption for hybrid vehicles"

Examiner Reader said:
I think this is a great decision. PS: If Prince William County (PWC) would like to get some extra tax dollars. Make the Stafford and Fredricksburg people pay to use PWC commuter lots. If no PWC sticker you pay a fee. PWC households pay the extra taxes and many non-PWC commuters get the benefits plus take up all the parking spaces and clog up our slug lines.

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