July 25, 2023

Newsletter

DFHV Director's Highlight

On July 12, DFHV organized a transportation services outreach event for older adults at Abrams Hall Senior Facility with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and representatives from Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George's office. Located on the newly developed former Walter Reed Campus, the facility serves seniors who live in the area. The event focused on informing residents on the various transportation options that qualifying seniors may be able to access. These include DFHV programs and programs run by sister agencies such as WMATA and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). Around 20 residents attended the event, voicing concerns about costs, after hours services, wait times, and eligibility. This provided participating agencies with insight on how the transportation programs engage with senior communities. DFHV looks forward to future partnerships with sister agencies to both provide services and inform the public on transportation options. Some of the programs highlighted at the event include: Transport DC is a DFHV program and alternative service for MetroAccess customers that provides taxi rides to and from any location within DC borders. Customers can take up to 10 one-way trips (five round trips) each month for $7 per ride. Transport DC operates 24/7. In order to be eligible, customers must be registered with MetroAccess. Learn more here.

DC Neighborhood Connect is another DFHV program that operates as an on-demand shared-ride shuttle for all. It operates within three service areas and costs $3 per ride. Learn more at dcneighborhoodconnect.com.

VetsRide is a partnership between DFHV and the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) that provides free rides for Veterans in DC seeking educational, health, employment, food distribution, or housing services.

To qualify, veterans must have an annual income of less than $45,000 or be recently unemployed. To register, call MOVA at 202-724-4010.

MetroAccess is a WMATA program and shared-ride, door-to-door, paratransit service for people whose disability prevents them from using a bus or rail. For more information, visit the Metro Access about page or call 301-562-5360 (TTY: 301-588-7535).

Senior SmarTrip DC One Card is another WMATA program that provides discounted senior fares on Metrobus and Metrorail for citizens 65 and older. For more information, visit the DC One card about page or call 202-727-6030.

Senior MedExpress is a DACL program that provides eligible DC residents, 60 and older, with a certified medical condition free round-trip transportation. For more information, visit dcyellowcab.com or call 202-724-5626.

ConnectorCard Program is another DACL program that provides qualified adults, 60 and older, with a debit card that can be used for ground transportation services. For more information, visit connector-card.com or call 202-420-7534.

DTS Open Season

August is open season for taxi drivers to choose DTS providers. DTS providers service District taxis with digital taximeters. All licensed taxis in the District are required to have digital meters and DFHV is increasing its enforcement of this requirement. DFHV will announce a list of approved DTS providers at the start of August when open season begins.

Application for the DFHV Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Repair Pilot program is now available for WAV taxicab

This program provides eligible owners and operators with maintenance support. Applicants seeking to apply for the grant program will find the program requirements on DFHV’s webpage (dfhv.dc.gov/grants). The application deadline is August 18, 2023, EST. To set up an appointment, email Charles Lindsay, DFHV Account Manager and WAV Repair Pilot Project Lead at DFHV.Grants@dc.gov.

Vision Zero Training

Effective July 1, 2023, all for hire license (new/renewal) applicants will be required to complete the Vision Zero training program. For more information, please contact DFHV Client Services division at 202-645-7300 or dfhv.clientservices@dc.gov.

Enforcement Reminders

License plates must be visible. Do not cover your license plate with any cover that obstructs the plate. Vehicles with obstructed tags are subject to a $50 fine.

All taxis must accept credit cards and electronic payments. Customers who are told they can only pay in cash may file complaints with DFHV. Drivers who do not accept electronic payments are subject to fines of $100. Additionally, all taxi drivers must be using their meters. If a driver is not using their meter or their meter is not working correctly, they can be fined $500. Signs asking for cash only are also prohibited.