Stay safe!
With the current surge in COVID-19 cases in area, this is a good reminder that the best way to keep you, your family, and the community safe is by taking the vaccine and getting your booster shot. Always wear a mask while driving and riding in a taxi and shared ride vehicle and all forms of mass transportation. If you need a test, rapid test kits are available at various libraries in the District for residents and PCR tests are also available at designated locations. For up-to-date information please visit: coronavirus.dc.gov.
A look back...
Living in interesting times means creative solutions. DFHV’s annual report looks back on 2020 and 2021 as we as an agency worked to support the industry. Before COVID-19 hit us all so hard, we were working with the taxi industry to find ways to compete with ride-hailing companies by using technology and adding programs like microtransit. The pandemic then added new hardships and the for-hire industry responded by delivering food for seniors and personal protective equipment to medical professionals. It has not been easy but we are grateful that we are working through these challenges together. Read the annual report.
...and a look forward
Looking ahead we have also worked with the industry to create the Industry Recovery Blueprint. This blueprint provides short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals for the industry’s recovery. Innovative strategies like using technology to make it easier for customers to hail a taxi using their phones, new programs to increase transportation equity, and a continued commitment to the industry will help us move forward. We will be sharing more about the Blueprint in the new year. Read the Industry Recovery Blueprint.
Apply for a financial incentives grant to get a Commercial Driver’s License and drive for SchoolConnect
We are inviting taxi drivers to apply for a grant that will allow them enroll in a DFHV sponsored training program to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)! Drivers will be asked to commit to drive a school bus for the SchoolConnect program for 6 months. DFHV is sponsoring taxi drivers to obtain a CDL with a student and passenger endorsement at no personal cost, estimated at $7,000 in value. The program provides drivers with financial incentives up to $2,100.00 for continuing to drive school buses for DC SchoolConnect once they sign an agreement and pass written and driving tests. The program would offer a competitive wage for driving with DC SchoolConnect. DFHV's CDL program would not restrict drivers from continuing to drive taxis while participating in the training program or while being a school bus driver for DC SchoolConnect outside the hours of the DC SchoolConnect program. The CDL training will likely begin in January and be for 4 to 6 weeks. Learn more and apply.
Need to renew your license? Don't forget about online services & driver fee relief
The Department of For Hire Vehicles (DFHV), Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV), and the Metropolitan Police Department will be applying fee waivers to For-Hire Licenses (renewal licenses), One-Stop Vehicle Registrations, Limousine Fees, and Operating Authority (renewals). And, take advantage of DFHV's online services and save yourself a trip. For more information, please contact the DFHV Client Services team at 202-645-7300 or dfhv.clientservices@dc.gov.
Two program changes for Transport DC
TransportDC, a program that provides taxi rides for people with disabilities, has added a feature to reserve a wheelchair accessible vehicle in advance of your ride. Customers also now need to enter their MetroAccess ID when calling for a ride. Learn more about TransportDC.
Reminder about meters
We’re reminding taxi drivers that they are required to have a working meter and be signed up with a Digital Taxicab Solution (DTS) provider. DFHV has received complaints about meters not working properly and/or being overcharged. DFHV's Compliance and Enforcement Division has initiated a citywide crack down to ensure that we accomplish our Department mission of ensuring that the residents and visitors to the Nation’s Capital will have a safe, comfortable and affordable transportation experience. Our Vehicle Inspection Officers will issue Notice of Infractions for these types of violations.
Notice
The ride-hailing company called, "Empower " does not have authority to operate in DC. Any individual working as a driver using the Empower app may be issued a $500 fine and their vehicle can be impounded.
Upcoming meetings
- Accessibility Advisory Committee, January 11, 2022.
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