WASHINGTON (AP) – A coalition of D.C. taxi drivers opposed to the upcoming switch from zone-based fares to meters has filed a lawsuit against city officials.

The suit filed Friday alleges that Mayor Adrian Fenty has set rules and rates for the new system without the legal authority to do so.

Fenty made the decision to switch to meters in October after Congress passed a provision that required the change unless the mayor opted out. He then directed Taxicab Commission Chairman Leon Swain to come up with the rules and rates for the new system.

The lawsuit suit alleges that both Fenty and Swain took authority that rightfully belonged to the eight-member Taxicab Commission.

Swain said he is awaiting a ruling from the courts, but had no other comment.
AP-ES-03-07-08 2250EST