Recognizing Your Service
In this Appreciation Edition of DFHV’s monthly newsletter, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the for-hire vehicle industry. Each for-hire operator provides a much-needed service to the residents and visitors who travel within the District and neighboring jurisdictions. DFHV wants to say thank you for providing an important service to the residents and visitors of DC and for going the extra mile. We appreciate what you do!
For-hire vehicle service has always been a staple in the District of Columbia. Drivers have witnessed the changes to the city as well as to the for-hire industry. Many have seen the industry changes firsthand. Operators who started under the zone system had to manually compute the fares based on the zone the pick-up and destination zones and the number of passengers. In 1993, the Taxicab Zone Map changed again and included major and subzone boundaries and Radio Dispatch Service Charges. Through these changes, you remain steadfast and vigilant.
 Most recently, you have faced the impact of a world-wide pandemic. We recognize the challenges many of you have faced this last year. During the public health emergency, DFHV understood the need and importance of the mental health of its licensed operators. We wanted to speak with as many as we could. To do this DFHV created a wellness program, where team members contacted drivers to inquire how they were doing. We were able to reach 2,500 operators. The operators who we connected with were open, honest, and forthright about their experiences during the pandemic. We appreciate all operators who took the time to share with us. Please know your customer service, every day and amid a pandemic, does not go unnoticed. We hear regularly when a driver has provided excellent service. We applaud each of you!
DFHV remains committed to the well-being of its stakeholders before, during, and after the pandemic. You expressed your concerns about the pandemic, the state of the industry, as well as the licensing and renewal process. We value each of you taking the time to share your concerns. We are grateful for your hard work and the efforts that you give every day. We will continue to strive for the advancement of the industry.
Written By: DFHV's Program Analyst, Sherry Tillman
Coming Soon! DFHV’s Industry Recovery Blueprint
DFHV has been hard at work to develop actions the agency can take to help the industry recover from the pandemic’s impact. We heard from you about the importance of fee relief, digital dispatch, being able to compete with ride-sharing services with innovative fare and payment methods and the need to simplify Title 31 taxi regulations. Many of these ideas came from your comments at the Taxi Summit in March 2021. DFHV plans to release the Industry Recovery Blueprint in September. Keep an eye out for it!
Opportunity for a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
University researchers are looking for taxi drivers to participate in a focus group about the potential impact of automated vehicles (AVs). Participants can receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
Please contact Sicheng Wang with Michigan State University at wangsic4@msu.edu if you are interested.
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