From an Uber rep:
“The big picture:
Uber is excited to announce a new phase of our partnership with the Washington DC taxi industry, which will provide 100% of DC’s 1,500+ taxi drivers with access to Uber trip referrals.
It’s a win/win/win:
DC taxi drivers will gain access to Uber trip referrals, providing them with more earnings opportunities, cities will get less empty miles driven, and riders will have faster pickups.
Driver signups:
Taxicab drivers in Washington D.C. will receive information from Uber on Friday with details about how to sign up. Once fully activated, taxi drivers will be eligible to receive Uber trip referrals.
Tap a button, get a ride:
After successful pilots in NYC, San Francisco, and Southern California, we’re trying something new in Washington DC, designed for even faster pickups and the same affordable prices.
When customers request a ride with UberX, they might get picked up by a taxi driver, if they’re nearby.
Upfront pricing:
Riders will pay the UberX rate and will receive upfront pricing in the Uber app. Riders will always be notified if they’re matched with a taxi, and if they choose, get re-matched with a driver who’s not in a taxi or simply cancel their ride.
The choice is yours:
In Washington D.C. riders can also select the Taxi option in the Uber app to be matched with a DC Taxi, and will see an upfront fare range based on the taxi meter.”