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David Do, Director
Happy New Year to the essential workers in the for-hire vehicle industry! Your hard work and dedication throughout this pandemic have been commendable. As the District continues to safely navigate the impact of the pandemic and gears up for recovery throughout 2021, it is critical to continue our mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes wearing a mask and ensuring your vehicle is equipped with a safety partition when transporting passengers.
Operators should continue to follow prevention guidelines, “How to Protect Yourself,” at coronavirus.dc.gov, including washing their hands often; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and staying home when feeling sick. We are all hopeful that recent COVID-19 scientific breakthroughs are a light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccine distribution is under way and for-hire vehicle operators will be able to receive a vaccine based on the District’s schedule. Drivers who are District residents and older than age 65 can schedule vaccination appointments now. Learn more about vaccine registration here.
We are encouraged by the resiliency that has been on full display by all essential workers in the transportation sector but especially, the drivers on the front lines. DFHV will continue to serve the industry to ensure you have the information and resources needed to operate safely under these unique circumstances.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine
The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) continues to make progress with their COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning. They are working with the federal government and local partners within the District to plan for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as doses become available. Periodically check coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and the plans for the District.
Virtual Information Sessions
DFHV is excited to announce it will host three virtual information sessions for the for-hire vehicle industry. The sessions are aimed to provide operators and companies with useful information and tips to safely transport residents and guests throughout the District. Here are the dates and topics for each session.
- February 25, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. – State of the Industry, Licensing & Registration
- March 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. – Safety During the Pandemic
- March 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. – E-Hailing & Delivery Opportunities
Information on how to join each session is coming soon. We hope to see you there!
Online Services Available
DFHV has online scheduling to enable in-person appointments to be made with DFHV Client Services. Safety protocols are in place including a face covering/mask requirement, protective shields and complimentary hand sanitizer. DFHV is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Appointments are required first before appearing in-person at the agency.
Visit DFHV.dc.gov/appointment to schedule an appointment. We can also be reached at (202) 645-7300 or DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov.
Private Sedan Business (PSB) and Digital Dispatch Service (DDS) can now also apply or renew their operating authority online. Please visit dfhv.dc.gov for more information on how to apply.
FACE ID Extension
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current operating status of the District, DFHV has suspended the collection of fees for all licenses and permits. To accommodate the industry, all Face ID holders scheduled to expire between (March 1, 2020 – current date) have received extensions until March 1, 2021. Extensions have been processed automatically. Face ID holders are not required to submit a request.
The agency will continue to monitor the operating status of the public health emergency and will update all impacted stakeholders. For updated information, please contact the Client Services Division at (202) 645-7300 or DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov.
Upcoming Meetings
DFHV’s Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet virtually on February 9, 2021 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. The agenda can be viewed here.
DDOT's Construction Update: (1/23 - 2/6)
Mayor Bowser is committed to eliminating all roadways, alleys, and sidewalks in poor condition in Washington, DC by 2024 through the PaveDC initiative. This Weekly Construction Update lists all of the road, alley, and sidewalk paving projects that will be under construction during the next two weeks. The 2021 Paving Plan will be published on the PaveDC website near the beginning of the new construction season in March. The website also includes separate tabs for sidewalks scheduled for repair, and the Alley Restoration Plan for Fiscal Year 2021. For more information about these projects, please visit DDOT's interactive tool, PaveDC.
For frequently asked questions about the 2021 paving plan, please visit ddot.dc.gov. Please note: Work may be adjusted depending on weather and other conditions. Additional projects may be added to this list. DDOT contacts residents and businesses within the work zones before work begins. Unless otherwise noted, work is not conducted on weekends.
Tell Us What You Think
DFHV appreciates your feedback. The suggestions and observations received from those in the industry, related stakeholders and the general public provide valuable insight that shapes our policies, programs and regulations. Give Feedback.
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