DFHV Monthly Newsletter

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 08/31/2023 02:35 PM EDT

August 31, 2023

Message from the Director: Time to go Back to School!

The end of August means it is back to school time! As families gather new supplies and clothing, DFHV has been busy preparing for the new school year. DFHV‘s DC School Connect program has kicked off another new school year. The DC School Connect team worked hard all summer to get ready for 2023-2024.

Photo of Acting Director Bolling speaking to DC School Connect Drivers and Transportation Assistants

After a successful 2022-2023 school year and “Save a Seat” campaign, we have been working hard to accommodate the 29 school communities and families we serve. I was honored to welcome the team at their start of school event last week and join our drivers and Transportation Assistants as they learned how important their roles are in keeping our kids safe each and every day. You can learn more about the DC School Connect program at DCSchoolConnect.com.

A new school year is as good a time as any to remind you, whether or not you drive a for-hire vehicle, that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Make sure you remain on the lookout for children and parents walking and biking to school to avoid crashes. Likewise, always be extra careful around school pick-up and drop-off areas by following speed limits. School zones have a 15 MPH speed limit so, slow down and stay safe. And a reminder for our taxi drivers, you are required to complete your Vision Zero safety training whenever you renew your licenses.

DTS Open Season

August is open season for taxi drivers to choose DTS providers, which 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. Learn more here.

Accessibility Advisory Committee needs your input!

DFHV is looking for taxi and ride-hail company representatives and drivers to serve on the AAC. The AAC helps the agency shape the future of for-hire services by advising on ways to improve for-hire vehicle accessibility for people with disabilities and older adults needing transportation service in the District. Virtual meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of every other month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please complete and send the AAC 2023 Application to Faye Dastgheib at faye.dastgheib1@dc.gov.

Applications are due by September 29, 2023.

If you have any questions, or need the application in an alternative format, please contact Faye Dastgheib at faye.dastgheib1@dc.gov or 202-645-4051.

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.

Next Fare DC fare map shows where to find customers.

Next Fare DC screenshot of a heat map showing where the most pick ups are depending on historical time of day.

DFHV has launched a website where for-hire drivers can find the most customers. Next Fare DC uses historical trip data to show a heat map of where the most pick-ups have been at a given time of day. You can explore the data by changing the timeframe and use the hand wave button to show live taxi pickups in the last five minutes. Check it out at NextFareDC.com.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles

2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001

Washington, DC 20020

202.645.7300

dfhv.dc.gov