April 2019
Acting Director David Do
Safety First 

The safety of our for-hire drivers and their passengers is of utmost importance. I have made it a priority for the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) to protect operators and riders in the District. As such, DFHV will launch a campaign next month to reinforce safety tips and raise awareness about care that should be taken when riding in a for-hire vehicle.

Our Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) do an outstanding job of monitoring the for-hire industry. However, VIOs cannot realistically be everywhere all the time. So it is important to know your rights and check for basic elements before getting in a for-hire vehicle.

If the ride is summoned through an app confirm the license plate and driver's name match the information provided. All District taxicabs have the letter "H" on their tags, a dome light and the driver's Face ID on display. A driver may refuse service if there is a reason to fear for their safety. And if either a driver or passenger feels threatened, call 911 immediately with your location.

It is our objective to ensure that all rides in for-hire vehicles are safe, in addition to being reliable and accessible for a fair price.

Acting DFHV Director Do presents Mayor Bowser's Fair Shot Budget to ANC 5D
Taxi-to-Rail (T2R)

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) has created the Taxi-to-Rail (T2R) pilot program for residents of Wards 7 & 8. The service offers residents a four dollar ($4.00) taxi ride to and/or from their home to connect with one of the following eight Metro Stations: Deanwood, Minnesota Avenue, Capitol Heights, Benning Road, Anacostia, Congress Heights, Southern Avenue, and Naylor Road. Interested residents must live in one of three zip codes; 20019, 20020 and 20032. Register for this program now.
 
Taxi-to-Rail (T2R) is here!
District Government Employees Gain Ride Sharing Option

The Department of Public Works (DPW) recently introduced an exciting new capability for District government employees to receive an on-demand  ride sharing service  through V ia to get to work-related meetings and activities while saving money for DC agencies.
 
Using the service is easy! Check out the video tutorial Y our agency director or fleet coordinating officer can advise you how to sign up. You can either request a private or a shared ride (ask your supervisor if you're unsure).
 
For more information, visit ridewithvia.com/dcgov. Email questions to dcbusiness-support@ridewithvia.com. Live phone support is also available for DC Government employees Monday-Friday, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm at 202-831-2411.

DPW featured DC government agency directors in the Celebrity Roadeo Competition
DFHV: On the Street with Good News 

As the city welcomes Spring, DFHV is making the effort to engage with the public. Staff attended the Emancipation Day Parade which recognizes the day Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862  which freed more than 3000 enslaved people in the District of Columbia. However, slavery did not officially end in the rest of the United States until after the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 until 1865.

Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) have great responsibility for protecting for-hire drivers and passengers. In addition, they are conducting inspections on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to certify taxicabs for Vehicle Age Waivers. Each month a VIO is formally recognized for their overall efforts to engage industry stakeholders through comprehensive vehicle inspections, educational conversations with operators, and taxicab stand inspections.

During Air Quality Awareness Week from April 29 to May 3, get a 25% discount when taking an Electric Vehicle (EV) that is operating as a taxicab. To request an EV taxi call (202) 269-1100. Have fun while helping the environment and let us know by taking a selfie to post to our  Twitter or Facebook pages with the hashtag #ridegreenDC.

Look for our Outreach Team distributing material about the agency, new programs and responding to various inquiries. The Team is multilingual with the capability to speak English, Amharic and French.

DC Celebrates Emancipation Day


The DFHV Team recognizes VIO of the Month Cherell Gibson


VIO performing vehicle waiver inspection
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
DFHV appreciates your feedback. The suggestions and observations received from those in the industry, related stakeholders and the general public provide valuable insight that shapes our policies, programs and regulations.  Give Feedback
Department of For-Hire Vehicles 
2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001
Washington, DC 20020
202.645.7300