Chat With Us!
Do you have a question for DFHV? Chat with us live on our website. DFHV team members are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM to respond to you in real time. Click on the blue button at the bottom of our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Upcoming Virtual Meetings
FACE ID Renewal Update
Mayor Bowser has extended the public health emergency to May 20, 2021. Upon the end of the public health emergency, FACE IDs holders will have a 45-day grace period to renew the license. The FACE ID will remain valid during this time. All FACE IDs set to expire on or after March 31, 2021, will receive an automatic extension.
Operators can opt to renew online or schedule an appointment to visit in-person to complete the application. The agency will continue to monitor the operating status of the public health emergency and will update all impacted stakeholders. To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, please contact the Client Services Division at (202) 645-7300 or DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov.
DFHV Now Enforces Unsafe Driving Violations on Ride-Hail Drivers
On May 1, 2021, DFHV’s Field Enforcement and Compliance team will begin to enforce rules on unsafe driving practices by drivers of taxis and rideshare vehicles. Operators must cooperate with vehicle inspection officers, police officers, and other District enforcement officials, during traffic stops or safety checks. Examples of unsafe driving violations include but are not limited to:
- Unauthorized driving in a bus lane
- Failure to yield right of way to pedestrian
- Obstructing crosswalk or intersection
- Violation of no turn sign
- Operating unsafe vehicle
- Failure to comply with official signs
Rideshare operators must also keep the following items present in their vehicle:
- A current and valid personal driver license issued by a state within the multi-state area;
- Proof of vehicle insurance coverage; and
- The device through which the operator provides service.
Safe Driving Tips
DFHV applauds the service of drivers who remain active during the pandemic by transporting passengers in the District. To ensure the best ride experience for drivers and passengers, please follow these guidelines to safely operate during the pandemic:
- You must use a digital taxi meter while on duty. Report meter malfunction to your Digital Taxi Solution (DTS) provider immediately. Your DTS support phone number is listed on the decal on the rear passenger-side window.
- Personal or unauthorized payment devices are not permitted.
- You must accept credit cards as a form of payment.
- The use of offensive or profane language is strictly prohibited.
- You must display your Face ID clearly so a passenger can see it at all times.
- Discrimination against customers on the basis of race, national origin, disability, or other reasons as described in your company’s policies, local, state, and federal law, is not allowed.
- Services animals must be transported free of charge and drivers cannot deny service on the basis of a service animal.
- Passengers and drivers should treat each other with mutual respect.
- Physical and/or verbal abuse is not allowed.
- If a passenger refuses to comply with safety measures, drivers may report this concern to their taxi company, rideshare app, and/or the authorities, as appropriate.
- Wear your mask at all times while operating a for-hire vehicle.
- Drive safely at all times.
For questions and concerns, please email us at dfhv@dc.gov.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Guest Entry By: Curtis Richards, Chairperson, For-Hire Vehicle Accessibility Advisory Committee
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The month commemorates the progress toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and recognizes the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion for people with I/DD.
One of the biggest challenges facing people with all types of disabilities is transportation. People with disabilities rely on public and private transportation options to live independently in the community, go to school, work, medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and visit friends and family.
In the District of Columbia, there are multiple public and private transportation options for people with disabilities—all of which are experiencing budget issues and could benefit from more coordination. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides extensive services for people with disabilities through Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess that must meet obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Those services are augmented with popular private sector provider services such as taxis, Uber, Lyft and other “for hire vehicles.”
District law requires that public and private vehicle-for-hire service be accessible to people with disabilities and in compliance with the ADA. It further establishes increasingly annual goals for the percentage of taxis accessible to people who use wheelchairs. And, it requires an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) to advise DFHV on these issues. Last summer, DFHV reconstituted the AAC. The advisory committee is comprised of DC government officials, industry representatives, and disability rights advocates, with the latter making up a majority of the committee.
The AAC is currently collecting feedback from people in the disability community via google forms forms.gle/AQZX1hYp6fv4RK7S6 to better understand their experiences in using taxis and other for-hire provider services. To learn more about the DFHV Accessibility Advisory Committee and/or provide any input, visit dfhv.dc.gov/page/accessibility-advisory-committee.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Happy Women’s History Month! DFHV joined Mayor Bowser and the Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives to celebrate and highlight women making an impact in the for-hire vehicle industry.
|
