Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Hearings
As I recently testified before the Committee on Business and Economic Development chaired by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie,
Mayor Bowser's proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget will provide the Department of For-Hire Vehicles with the resources to achieve inclusive prosperity by meeting the administration's goals to support DC Values through transparency, accountability, efficiency, and economic growth.
The priority for our agency is to ensure fair industry competition and excellent passenger experiences. The FY 2018 budget will allocate resources to: (1) improving transportation equity; (2) creating new business opportunities; and (3) leveraging commercially-available technology to help reduce operating cost
s.
We will continue to encourage the adoption of both wheelchair accessible and electric vehicles with competitive grants and incentives; and we are excited about the
transition from the legacy taximeter and expensive credit card readers to lower cost app-based systems called digital taxicab solutions or DTS. The DTS will feature mobile payment, built-
in GPS
, automatic transfer of trip data,
and dynamic pricing for street hails. Another key benefit is the reduction of operating costs by an estimated $2,000 per vehicle.
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For-Hire Vehicle Innovation Grants
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For-Hire Vehicle Innovation Grants |
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is soliciting applications from companies and operators with current DFHV operating authority to participate in pilot projects and partnership programs aimed at improving transportation equity, expanding economic opportunities to foster innovations and solve problems that can benefit consumers. The Request For Application (RFA) consists of a variety of funding opportunities to include:
- School Transportation Service
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- Electric Vehicles
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
- Other Innovative Programs that may be developed by DFHV
This is a competitive award; thus the submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Each applicant must demonstrate the capability to carry out the activities for the program and the grant for which applied.
Initial applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 3: 00 p.m. The next application submission deadline is June 12, 2017, and every 90 days thereafter (September 11, 2017 and December 10, 2017)
. Applications must be received by 3:00 pm on the deadline date.
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Mediation and Ombudsman Program
DFHV has created two programs to enhance the due process rights for drivers and other for-hire industry stakeholders through the Vehicle Inspection Officer Complaint Process and the Ombudsman Mediation Program. The intent is to resolve various conflicts that arise within the for-hire industry. Issues may range from alleged harassment by a vehicle inspector, disputes over payments, equipment problems, conflicts about contracts, or concerns arising when a driver wishes to transfer from one company to another.
The confidential meetings are voluntary and are intended to address issues where individuals have otherwise not reached a mutually satisfying resolution. Please note that DFHV will facilitate discussion, but cannot provide any legal advice. The objective of the investigation and negotiation is to reach a resolution agreement to all disputes.
DC TaxiApp 2.0
The DC TaxiApp 2.0 is now available! Operating under the guidance of the industry cooperative, the DC Transportation Group (DCTG), this updated version has appealing features including one-tap hailing, reduced fees for drivers, fraud prevention, payment processing and confirmation, and compatibility with iOS and Android. Download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Get the DC Taxi Driver app now.
Attend a Question & Answer session about the DC TaxiApp 2.0 on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm. The session will be held in the Second Floor Hearing Room of DFHV at 2235 Shannon Place, SE.
You can also review updated training videos to learn more about the latest revisions. For help email support@dctaxi.com.
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Non-District Limousine Permit
DFHV is introducing a pilot program in response to market demand for more limousine services to perform point-to-point transportation service in the city all day any day. The Non-District Limousine (NDL) Permit. Key points are:
- Applicants will be approved on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Open to limousine companies or independent owners
- Current SafeTrack permits are valid until their expiration date
- Download a free app provided by DFHV to provide trip data
- For more details see Administrative Issuance AI-2017-03
- Apply right here
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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.
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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.
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