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Message from the Director
Spring is a time to refresh and renew. And this spring is especially sweet as we celebrate an in-person National Cherry Blossom Festival. DC is open and is welcoming visitors back to celebrate together. We are also seeing workers in all sectors who have been teleworking for two years return to offices. Across the District in-person events are back and people are enjoying everything this city has to offer. I hope this time of renewal also means more tourists, more business travelers, and more work for the for-hire industry. I know you will do everything you can to support visitors whether they are tourists, business travelers, or commuters. Don’t forget that if you need to renew your Face ID, we have waived fees until September. You can visit Client Services either in-person or online. The for-hire industry is always here to provide needed transportation options and I thank you for that.
Vision Zero Roadway Safety
With all this new activity, I wanted to take a moment to remind you about our shared responsibility to keep our roadways safe. You have probably heard about Vision Zero, but you may not know what it means. Vision Zero is a focus on policies that use engineering, education, and enforcement with a goal to end roadway injuries and deaths. For DFHV our focus is to educate taxi, limo, and ride-hailing drivers about how to drive more safely on the roads and share road space with other users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. DFHV also enforces the rules through our Enforcement Team. Safety is a top priority for DFHV because for-hire drivers have an opportunity to show that safe driving benefits everyone. Drivers who do break the rules can face fines or lose their Face IDs. So, let’s all do our part to show what safe driving looks like.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- U-turns can be dangerous. Follow the rules and don’t make illegal u-turns.
- Slow down and obey the speed limit. Higher speeds are more likely to cause injury or death.
- Give bicyclists space. Don’t park in the bike lane or double park; this forces bicyclists into busy roads.
- Blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, or lanes of traffic is dangerous for all users. Use designated pick-up and drop-off areas instead.
- Always stop at stop signs and look for pedestrians and bicyclists. Always stop for pedestrians crossing and wait for them to cross before continuing.
I know that we can all step up and do our part to keep DC’s roads safer for everyone.
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David Do, Director
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New SchoolConnect Buses
Apply for a Financial Incentives Grant to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Drive for DC SchoolConnect
If you’re a taxi driver and DC resident, you can apply for our CDL grant program. DFHV will pay for your training if you commit to driving for DC SchoolConnect for six months. Learn more.
Online Document Submission
DFHV has added another exiting feature to our online services platform! This new tool will give both companies and operators the ability to make online submissions for the following transactions:
- Driver’s License Renewal Updates
- Vehicle Insurance Updates
- Address Changes
- Phone Number Changes
- Email Changes
The DFHV Client Services division will process updates daily. For additional questions, please feel free to contact them at 202-645-7300 or dfhv.clientservices@dc.gov or visit the website to learn more.
Protect yourself from car theft
You may have heard reports of car theft and carjackings over the last few months. Unfortunately, for-hire vehicles are often targets for this type of crime. Always be aware of your surroundings and if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Please remember that your vehicle can be replaced but you cannot. If you are in a dangerous situation, please comply and do not try to fight back. If your vehicle is stolen do not try and chase after it. Call 911 and your insurance will cover your vehicle. There are several things you can do to protect yourself from car theft.
- Always lock your car
- Never leave your vehicle idling/running unattended – even if your key fob is on you, someone can still drive off with your car until it stops, or gas runs out
- Always keep track of your keys, never leave them inside the vehicle
- Do not leave children unattended inside your vehicle
- Park in a safe spot
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
- If you see suspicious activity, report it anonymously by calling (202) 727-9099
· If you are a victim of a crime, report it immediately by calling 911
$1 Fuel Surcharge
DFHV has added a $1 surcharge to taxi fares starting March 16, 2022. The surcharge will help off-set the effects of the U.S. ban on Russian oil and high prices at the gas pump. The surcharge will stay in place for 120 days unless rescinded earlier by DFHV Director Do.
Customers taking taxis should expect to see $1 added to the base fare when they hail a taxi on the street or use an app. Currently there are no changes in prices for DFHV-sponsored transportation programs. Learn more about the surcharge.
Empower notice
The ride-hailing company called "Empower" does not have authority to operate in the District. Drivers and passengers, protect yourself and your livelihood. Any individual working as a driver using the Empower app may be issued a $500 fine and their vehicle can be impounded.
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Department of For-Hire Vehicles
2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001
Washington, DC 20020
202.645.7300
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