February 2018
Director  Ernest Chrappah
Performance Oversight

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles recently testified before the DC City Council about agency performance in Fiscal Year 2017. DFHV achievements included: modernization of taxi equipment; expansion of public engagement; and creation of new pilot programs through grant making efforts.

In Fiscal Year 2018, DFHV intends to expand economic opportunities, work to solve problems, and foster innovation to support of our ambitious vision to eliminate transportation barriers for all our residents by the year 2020. The agency will be relentless in working towards integrating all for-hire vehicles.

DFHV will continue to encourage innovation through competitive grants; test new services to solve transportation problems; and seek new revenue streams for the industry. 
EV Fast Charging Stations

DFHV is proud to  support a cleaner and greener way to get around.  Driving electric is an important way to reduce reliance on oil and fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. These positive environmental impacts are being realized today as a result of the taxicab-only Fast Charging EV Stations installed at Union Station.  The following chart outlines the amount of greenhouse emissions avoided as a result of the Fast Charging EV Stations at Union Station. 

Emissions From Gasoline-Powered Vehicles Avoided Based on Electric Energy Used (EPA)


As the additional charts indicate, there is a steady growth in the number of EVs in service as taxicabs. The consistent upward trend in charging sessions serves as encouraging evidence of the growing acceptance of EVs. The charging stations are the result of a successful public-private partnership between DFHV, ChargePoint, Transco and the Union Station Parking Garage & Bus Facility. In addition, DFHV has provided almost $500,000 in competitive grants to EV taxi owners in FY 2016 and FY 2017.  

Total Usage of Fast Charger Stations at Union Station
Total Drivers Using Fast Charger Stations at Union Station

Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Working Group

Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced the formation of an Interagency Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Working Group to proactively prepare the District for AV technologies and ensure that AV deployment will benefit District residents and visitors. DFHV is a participant in the working group which is focusing on transportation, disability rights, environmental issues, and public safety.

Additionally, the Bowser Administration is partnering with the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) to release a Request for Information for an AV pilot program at L'Enfant Plaza. 

"We will keep the District on the cutting edge of autonomous vehicles and do so in a way that benefits our residents," said Mayor Bowser. "Washington, DC is a creative, tech-savvy city, and as we grow, we will always be exploring and investing in innovation and finding ways to make it more inclusive."
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technology

DFHV Client Services Resource Center

Effective March 1, 2018, the DFHV Client Services Resource Center will be available by appointment only. Appointments for one-on-one support can be scheduled for any weekday between 4:30pm - 6:30pm, except for observed District holidays.  Appointments can be made by emailing [email protected]. Thus, the Resource Center will no longer be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

Meet the Staff
(L to R) Neville Waters, Monique Bocock, Ernest Chrappah, Shirley Kwan-Hui, and Chris Watkins at John A. Wilson Building after Oversight Hearing  
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. 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