April 2018
Director  Ernest Chrappah
Grant Funding

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles is fully committed to supporting new ideas that offer innovative solutions to address problems in the for-hire industry. 

Thus, DFHV has provided over $14 million in competitive grants over the past three years. The funds have helped to establish pilot programs to serve District residents and visitors; and generate new sources of revenue for operators.

So I am delighted to offer congratulations to recent award recipients. These drivers made the effort to submit an application and realized that the DFHV grants provided a real business opportunity to get money.
Grant Award Recipients

Several taxicab drivers recently received $1,000 each in grant awards through the DFHV Innovations Grant Funding Program. This grant program provides funds through a competitive review process to applicants who must be DFHV-licensed independent taxicab owner-operators, and company-affiliated owners or rental drivers. This grant is intended to improve transportation equity, expand economic opportunities, and solve problems through innovative pilot projects and partnerships. Submit your application for consideration. The deadline to apply is June 29, 2018. The money is real!

Recipients of DFHV Grants

innoMAYtion Hackathon

During the month of May, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development present #innoMAYtion the month-long initiative to spotlight the diverse businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and technologists in the District that are game changers. Join the  Digital TransforMAYtion celebration to kickoff innoMAYtion on May 2 at the Verizon Technology and Policy Center.

A feature of this initiative is the innoMAYtion Hackathon scheduled on Saturday, May 5. DFHV will provide taxi trip data for "hackers" to produce innovative ideas and apps that envision new ways to experience transportation in the District. This opportunity to develop unique solutions will be focused on various tracks including analysis, gamification, and curb management. RSVP here.

innoMAYtion

Union Station Parking

The Union Station Parking Garage and Bus Facility is offering all District-registered taxicabs a flat all day parking rate with in and out privileges.Taxi operators with licensed DFHV vehicles may park their taxi within the facility for a daily rate of $14.00. This rate guarantees access to the facility for a 24-hour period from the activation time, and will allow taxis to park, pickup waiting customers, use the facilities, have lunch, and receive the capability to enter and exit to the garage, at your convenience, multiple times a day. To find out the full program details, please email  [email protected]. 
Driver Licensing Testing

Effective Friday, May 4, 2018, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles will no longer offer two (2) driver licensing tests on Fridays. The exam will now be administered at 9:30 am only on each Friday.

All applicants are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 9:30 am testing time. More information about the licensing process is available at DFHV.dc.gov.
Client Services Center
DFHV has introduced  a convenient method to contact our Client Services Center through our website. You can now ask general questions pertaining to the for-hire industry online anytime by submitting your inquiry to the  Department of For-Hire Vehicles Inquiry Form . Responses will be sent within 24 hours or the next business day.  
Contact Information
All owners and operators licensed by or registered with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles are required to maintain their current contact information on file which must include a current mailing address, phone number and email address. Client Services will not conduct a transaction without verification.
   
Tell Us What You Think
Your feedback is critical for the Department of For-Hire Vehicles. The suggestions and observations received from those in the industry, related stakeholders and the general public offer useful insight that shapes policies, programs and regulations.  Give Feedback . 
Department of For-Hire Vehicles 
2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001
Washington, DC 20020
202.645.7300