WASHINGTON -- Thursday was the first day for taxicabs in the District to begin using the city's new meter system, but so far, only a few cabs seem to have made the switch, News4's Tom Sherwood reported.

The first warning tickets were handed out, though. City officials said they issued about 200 warning tickets by late Thursday afternoon. If drivers don't get meters installed by June 1, they will risk being fined $1,000.

At several cab shops in D.C., there is a big rush to get the new time and distance meters, which signal a change from decades of using a zone fare, in which the cab driver just told you what the fare would be.

Many customers like the meters, which are common to all other cities. That's a big reason Mayor Adrian Fenty ordered the switch last year and now is pressing ahead for the change.

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals refused Wednesday to delay the city's switch to taxicab meters from the old system. A group of cab drivers was seeking a stay until the court rules on a lawsuit seeking to block the change. But the three-judge panel said the drivers failed to prove that they would be "irreparably harmed" without a stay.

Many drivers were waiting to purchase meters while legal challenges were pending. Cab drivers have long opposed the switch, saying the fares are too low.

Related: Watch The Report

"I think it's the worst thing that could happen to a cab driver," said Robert Studevent, who has driven a cab for more than 60 years. He has purchased a meter, which will be installed on Monday.

"I spent $400 yesterday for a meter, and the meter is cutting my fare almost in half," he said.

Some drivers said they are having difficulties installing the devices. Drivers must go to one of five authorized stations to get the meters installed. There is currently a waiting list for installations, as 7,000 drivers now have to put the devices in.

Fenty said a one-month grace period is enough time.