December 2019
Director David Do
The Joy of the Season  

May this holiday season bring joy, love, and blessings to you and your family. This is a time to express gratitude, reflect on the previous year and look towards a new one with anticipation.

Just over a year ago, Mayor Bowser appointed me to lead the Department of For-Hire Vehicles. We have made strides in the past year to offer new ride programs to communities in need of better transportation options. We have enhanced the efficiency for reporting and resolving complaints. We have implemented plans to increase accessibility. And our grants have supported the initiation of new concepts to further economic development. 

I also want to express gratitude on behalf of the Bowser Administration for the efforts and dedication of drivers, operators, industry stakeholders, riders and staff to support excellent customer experiences. We are committed to making informed decisions and confident that we are building to a successful path forward. So, regardless of your faith, religious preference, or holiday tradition, I personally extend good cheer and happy feelings to all.

Enjoy health and happiness, peace and love, and hope for the future. I am excited as we move on to 2020.

Happy Holidays    
The Ghost of Past Holidays
1993 Taxicab Zone Map

Many residents may recall the old Taxicab Zone Map...and new residents should be glad to have missed the infamously confusing map that was the basis of for-hire ride fares until the industry transitioned to meters in 2008. The New York Times pointed out that the city was the only major American city to base fares on how many zones a cab crossed. 

The above map is a reminder of what DC has left behind and should highlight how much better it is for passengers to have transparent pricing. The system allowed for extra charges during rush hour periods which operators found appealing; but without specific street identification corner-cutting through zones to tack on fares was intensely disliked by the public and led to unscrupulous behavior.

The evolution of the for-hire ride industry continues to be impacted by technology, consumer preferences, vehicle manufacturers, and marketplace competition. The role of the  Department of For-Hire Vehicles is to manage all the changes to ensure residents and visitors can receive safe, affordable and accessible transportation options, and the for-hire ride industry can remain economically viable.

Call 202 645-7300 or DFHV@dc.gov if you have any questions or concerns.
Trends - Trip Data

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles obtains trip data from all for-hire operators in the District and meticulously analyzes it to gain valuable insight. This knowledge is extremely useful for identifying patterns and problems and to develop policies and programs to address these issues.

Review the DFHV Data Dashboard to learn what's going on in the local marketplace from the number of drivers and vehicles in operation to revenue generated; from complaint processing to tickets issued. The dashboard includes information about both taxis and TNCs (e.g., Lyft, Uber, Via). Among the highlights are the following:
  • The number of trips by taxi peaks in March
  • The number of TNCs in operation peaks on Fridays
  • The greatest number of taxi pick-ups occurs in Ward 2
  • The average number of taxi trips peaks mid-week;TNCs peak use is weekends 
  • The average wait time for TNC pick-ups is about six minutes regardless of the day
Vehicle Trip Data
In The News

VIO Morgan employing emergency resuscitation techniques

Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) William Morgan deserves special recognition for his efforts during the Washington Nationals World Series Watch Party. As the Nats were winning Game Seven, a fan suffered a seizure in the middle of the crowd. Fortunately, VIO Morgan noticed the man collapsed among the crowd and his quick action combined with his professional training likely saved a man's life.   

In other news, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles is working diligently to establish opportunities to serve the transportation needs of District residents. We are proud of the growth potential of our programs. So, in case you missed reading about some of our activities, please review the following run down of recent stories in the news. Programs highlighted include VetsRide and the Union Station Fast Pass. 
  • Engadget - Via Now Provides Veterans with Free Rides in the DC Area 
  • Connecting Vets - DC Vets Can Get Free Rides to Doctor Appointments, Work and School 
  • Washington Informer - DC Pilot Program to Increase the Number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles 

Union Station Fast Pass 

Shelter Hotline


Shelter Hotline - 202.399.7093


The thermometer is dropping and the weather is turning cold, so it is critically important to be aware that this is Hypothermia Season. During Hypothermia Season - November 1 to March 31 -  the District provides outreach and assistance, welfare checks, warming items, and transportation to a shelter 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call the S helter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 to request transportation to a shelter if you notice someone experiencing homelessness. You can also reach the hotline by calling 311. When calling, you will be asked to provide a location as well as a description of the person you are requesting transportation for; however if you believe that a person is experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911.
 
Whenever a Hypothermia Alert is called, shelter capacity is expanded to ensure that there is a warm bed available for everyone who needs one. Sign up to receive notifications about a Hypothermia Alert and other weather updates at  alertdc.dc.gov .

Our community partners work tirelessly to provide outreach and support to our less fortunate residents who are experiencing homelessness. Thanks for doing your part to keep every resident safe.  
Fit DC 5K 


On January 1, 2020, join Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC residents at Anacostia Park for the 2020 #FITDC Fresh Start 5K!  The Mayor is inviting people of all ages to join this fun fitness activity for the entire family. Whether you want to run, walk or just cheer folks on, this will be a fun event for all.


Each participant will receive a T-shirt, running bib, and other giveaways.  Registered participants can begin picking up packets at 9:00 a.m. and the Fresh Start 5K Walk/Run begins at 10:00 am. Arrive early for same day day registration.

DFHV Director David Do discusses agency vision for managing the evolution of for-hire ride services

DFHV Program Manager Michael Tietjen presents to the Pepco Transportation Electric Vehicle Working Group 

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer sends season's greetings
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