December 2016
Director  Ernest Chrappah
 
Taking the Pole Position to Make Cities Sustainable

The evolution of the transportation ecosystem is impacted by its energy needs. Gasoline-powered vehicles are still the most widely used means of for-hire transportation; however climate change is a threat to livable and sustainable cities. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases. DFHV has taken steps to make DC a sustainable city through the  Electric Vehicle (EV) Grant Program which accelerated the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Today, we proudly have approximately 120 electric for-hire vehicles in service; which is the most for-hire EVs of any U.S. city. 

We are collaborating with the Department of Energy & Environment, the Department of General Services and the Department of Parks & Recreation to increase the number of fast-charging stations. Recently, we met with transportation representatives from federal agencies and private sector organizations to discuss preparations for the future by identifying cost and energy savings to reduce greenhouse gas production. We want the  industry to provide excellent customer experiences while being good stewards of the environment.
2017 Goals

2017- Happy New Year
With a new year upon us, it is critical to set and communicate goals to hold the agency and industry accountable. Our ambitious agenda includes:
  • Eliminate unnecessary regulation through the  Title 31 Revision. We have started the process by reorganizing and restructuring the text to make it easier for consumers and industry stakeholders to find and understand regulations. The next step is to solicit feedback on specific rules that may no longer needed or have outlived their usefulness. Provide your feedback here.
  • Reduce regulatory burdens and set minimum standards of professionalism for  independent taxicab owners before granting a Certificate of Operating Authority. For a limited time - until January 21, 2017 - there is no application fee.
  • Encourage innovation through developing or incentivizing an open platform for ride sharing, car rental, dispatch services, reservation systems, autonomous vehicles, and delivery.
  • Expand grant and pilot programs to support electric vehicles, fast-charging stations, educational opportunities, fixed route transportation and increased public engagement. 
     
Presidential Inauguration Special Event Decals




The inauguration of the 45th President of the United States is scheduled for Friday, January 20, 2017. DFHV would like to ensure that for-hire vehicles comply with the requirement to apply for Special Event decals. The decals allow out-of-market operators to  conduct point-to-point transportation within the District. These permits support the needs of the significant number of visitors who want to move throughout the city. The process is easy. Just submit an application through the DFHV online portal , pay the fee and once approved the decal(s) will be sent to the address on file.

 
DDOT goDCgo Ambassador Awards

The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting nominations the 2017 goDCgo Ambassador Awards. This new program is designed to recognize DC organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to implementing commuter benefits and sustainable transportation programs for their employees. There are five nomination categories: DC Commuter Benefits Law All Star, Bike-Friendly Workplace, Carpool/Vanpool Award, Telework/Flex/Alternative Schedule Award and Most Innovative Commuter Benefits Program.  All nominations must be received by Friday, February 3, 2017.  For more information or to make a nomination please visit the goDCgo Ambassador Awards . 
SoberRide

Please do NOT drink and drive during this festive holiday season. Free taxicab rides are available throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area between Friday, December 16, 2016 and Sunday, January 1, 2017. Yellow Cab of DC is a participant. This service is offered from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am by calling SoberRide toll-free at 1-800-200-TAXI (8294). There is no cost for up to a $30 fare to get a safe way home . This program is sponsored by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).
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
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles wants your feedback. The opinions and insight we receive from the industry, related stakeholders and the general public gives us useful input that shapes policies, programs and regulations. We want to hear from you!   Give Feedback. 
Department of For-Hire Vehicles 
2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001
Washington, DC 20020
202.645.7300