In the local Silver Spring, Maryland area, for short distances (3 to 5
blocks), what transportation sources are available for a fee (same
day).  Cabs do not honor requests for short hauls (they just don't
show up and I stand there waiting to no avail)

I will be 88 years old in May and cannot walk more than a half a block
on my prosthetic leg.  The bus stop is too far away.

I will be setting a fee of $3.00 plus tip.

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Clarification of Question by ballroomdancer-ga on 30 Mar 2005 13:13 PST

Ok... I see how this works...  You can't get a tip.

Lets make it $5.00 and no tip

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 30 Mar 2005 13:15 PST

Ballroomdancer,

Tipping is indeed permitted on Google Answers. Once an official Answer
to your question is posted, you'll have the opportunity to rate and
tip the Answer. Comments (such as mine below) are free of charge.

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Clarification of Question by ballroomdancer-ga on 13 Apr 2005 11:29 PDT

Thanks for the ideas, but I know about 'same day coupons' and they are
not the problem.  The cab dispatcher says they will come, but the cab
never shows up.

Appaarently they don't want to go 3 to 4 blocks even with coupons and
a tip.  I am unable to walk more than a half a block with my
artificial leg.

Some of the information on this page may be useful to you:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/dpwt/transit/seniors.asp

I realize you said (Same Day) and by that, you mean exactly what? 
Something like... you just found out you need to go somewhere and it
is too late to call some of the services on the page PinkFreud
suggested?  I know some of them require a request by 3:00pm on the day
before the transportation.

If you call a cab... are you saying that the dispatcher says, "Ok,
we'll try to have a cab at the intersection of "A" & "B" in 15
minutes.  You go down there and no cab comes?

Are cabs allowed to turn down trips that they think are too short?
Sure, the cabbies want to, but in some areas, I know they are
obligated to accept any trip.  That is why the meter has an initial
amount, and then starts to meter distance.
I would suggest talking to the local govt or to organisations for the handicapped.
I found that in Boston, there are coupons for taxi use by the
handicapped.  Maybe not in Silver Springs, but someone should be able
give some kind of local advice.
Veterans Administration if you are a vet, maybe?