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September 2020

Doing Our Part

Mayor Muriel Bowser continues her leadership of District Government operations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Planning for and responding to the pandemic has been guided by the following six objectives: flattening the curve; sharing accurate and timely information; enhancing our healthcare capacity; expanding community support; preserving government continuity; and managing the unexpected. In support of Mayor Bowser’s efforts, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles has adapted to ensure critical services are still being offered. In addition to transitioning many of our agency services to an online platform, I am proud that industry operators responded by offering delivery services and rides to specific groups and communities who had to travel to essential businesses and provide essential services. As the city’s businesses continue in Phase Two, DFHV extended two pilot programs in response to the health crisis will discontinue services after September 30 — Taxi-to-Rail, known as T2R, and DC Neighborhood Connect. T2R was an East of the River program that was expanded citywide to serve essential workers and residents traveling to and from essential businesses during the pandemic. Since April, T2R has completed over 25,000 trips. DC Neighborhood Connect had been repurposed to serve specific healthcare workers. It has provided 1,300 rides to healthcare professionals at three medical facilities -- Howard University Hospital, United Medical Center, and The Psychiatric Institute of Washington. It also transported boxes of food to 2,551 seniors, as well as 800 boxes of personal protective equipment to dentists’ offices in the District. Users of those services can consider these travel alternatives: MetroAccess, Transport DC (must be MetroAccess-eligible), Senior MedExpress, VetsRide, traditional taxis, or Transportation Network Companies (eg., Uber, Lyft, Via). Other updates that impact for-hire operators include the decision by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) to grant a waiver for vehicle inspections that expired on or after March 1 until DC DMV reopens at full operating capacity. As long as a driver can show current insurance coverage and a completed DMV inspection (even if it has expired but under the waiver), DFHV Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) will not issue notices of infraction. Although drivers are still permitted to operate their vehicles, it is strongly recommended to schedule appointments as soon as possible. DFHV is deploying some staff to assist DMV with this matter. Anyone seeking to obtain a Face ID to drive a taxi can use this form to request access to the DFHV online portal. Drivers and companies with an existing account should use this form to access agency services. In-person appointments can be scheduled online and are required to enter the agency offices. During your appointment, safety protocols will be in place including a face covering or mask requirement, protective shields and complimentary hand sanitizer. DFHV is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). For more information call (202) 645-7300 or email DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov. DFHV reminds you to follow these steps to support a safe riding experience in for-hire vehicles: wear a face covering or mask, sit in the backseat, handle your own luggage, use electronic hailing and contactless payment methods, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer, and most of all stay home when you are sick. Watch our #RideSafeDC video for safety tips.   Stay safe. Stay informed. Visit coronavirus.dc.gov

For-Hire Vehicle Advisory Council

The For-Hire Vehicle Advisory Council (FHVAC) recently held its quarterly meeting to advise DFHV on all matters related to the regulation of the District’s for-hire ride services industry. Chairperson Linwood Jolly led the discussion about topics including agency efforts to support the industry during the public health emergency, grant program updates, and operational plans for promoting safe practices. For more information about FHVAC meetings and members visit DFHV.dc.gov/FHVAC.

Driver Resources

DFHV is taking steps during to support for-hire drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses in the for-hire industry. You can take advantage of useful free resources including financial and unemployment assistance, food delivery opportunities, health care, legal services, and more. Click here to learn more

Effective October 19, according to Title 31, Section 601.9, each taxicab registered in the District shall be equipped with a safety partition between the front and rear seats for the purpose of minimizing the spread of infectious diseases. Complimentary safety partitions are available to distribute to vehicle owners for installation between the front and rear seats. Taxi drivers interested in obtaining a protective barrier can sign up here.

DC Taxi Drivers Do Delivery Services Through the Department of Aging and Community Living Grocery Plus Program

#RideSafeDC

DFHV wants to remind drivers and riders to practice safe behavior when using for-hire ride services. The campaign #RideSafeDC is focused on safe riding practices such as wearing a face covering or mask, sitting in the rear, and regularly washing hands and using hand sanitizer. As the city continues its phased reopening, residents, commuters and tourists should use electronic hailing and contactless payment methods. Reminding those using for-hire ride services to employ these safety protocols will ensure a safe and comfortable transportation experience.

Be aware of your rights as a passenger and a driver. Passengers and drivers should behave responsibly and treat each other with mutual respect. Physical and/or verbal abuse is not allowed. Mayor Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-080 to require all for-hire drivers and their passengers to wear a cloth face covering or mask at all times. If customers refuse to comply with safety measures, drivers may report this concern to your taxi company operator, your app rideshare company, and/or the authorities, as appropriate. If you feel uncomfortable with providing transport to a visibly sick customer for safety reasons, you can choose to refuse transport. However, discrimination against customers on the basis of race, national origin, or other reasons as described in your company’s policies, local, state, and federal law, is not allowed.

For further guidance visit coronavirus.dc.gov/healthguidance.

#RideSafeDC

Take the 2020 Census!

It's not too late to complete the 2020Census. Take a few minutes to get counted now. Call 1-844-330-2020 or go to 2020census.gov. #GetCountedDC

Need A Test. Get A Test. Then Stay Home.

Please be advised that any DC resident age 6 or older, experiencing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion, body aches, chills, runny nose, or with known exposure to COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 test. You DO NOT need a doctor's note for any of the walk-in sites. Remember that testing and quarantine go together. So, while waiting for results, protect our community by staying home.

Stay up to date with the latest information at coronavirus.dc.gov