Arundel raises taxi rates at BWI by 16 percent

The cost of catching a cab at Baltimore-Washington International Airport will rise by about 16 percent under emergency legislation unanimously approved last night by the Anne Arundel County Council.

The council unanimously passed the first taxi fare increase in nine years at the airport and across the county.

"I'd say it's rather overdue," said Anne M. Hatcher, the county's licensing director.

The initial cost of hailing a taxi will rise by 20 cents to $1.80 ($2.30 at BWI), and the per-mile charge will also rise by 20 cents, to $1.40, making Anne Arundel's taxis among the most expensive in the region.

Under the new rates, a 15-mile trip from the airport will cost $23.10. The trip now costs $19.90.

The change will become law with County Executive Janet S. Owens' signature, but it is expected to take a week for the county to recalibrate every taxi meter.