Driver News

We have received complaints from consumers and shown proof that some YCDC drivers are using Squre to process credit cards. Please note that using a non-DTS approved device is against DFHV regulation and Yellow Cab policy. Any driver found doing this practice will be suspended from the platform for 24 hours for the first offense and removed from Yellow Cab for the next reported infraction.

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Taxi Fares Are Changing on August 2, 2024: The DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is announcing that for the first time in 12 years, taxi fares will be increasing in the District on August 2 to help improve driver wages; provide more incentives to serve residents, businesses, and visitors; and better align with fares in neighboring jurisdictions. Most fares will increase by about 20%.
“The upcoming increase in taxi fares will provide much-needed incentives for our hard-working taxi drivers to continue serving District residents and visitors,” said DFHV Acting Director Jonathan Rogers. “Driving a taxi is an important career pathway, and the new fares ensure that our drivers are fairly compensated for their dedication and service in today’s economy. This adjustment will help maintain a robust and reliable taxi service in the District, meeting the evolving needs of our community.”
Taxi fares in the District have not changed since 2012. Taxi drivers requested a slight increase in fares after the City of Alexandria and Arlington County increased their fare structures (for example, the Alexandria Council approved a flag drop rate of $5 and a per mile rate of $2.60 in May 2024).
Customers in the District should expect to see the new fares beginning on August 2. Other rates, including extra passenger and wait time fares, will remain unchanged. The upcoming fare changes will only apply to street hails and phone dispatch and will not impact app-based dispatch services. See the chart below for the changes.
Existing Rate
New Rate
Minimum rate (flag drop)
$3.25
$4.00
Passenger surcharge
$0.25
$0.50
General distance rate
$2.16
$2.56
More than 60% of the trips in the District are under 2 miles, so for example, this change will increase the fare by $1.35 for 1-mile and $1.75 for 2-mile trips.
DFHV reminds customers that all taxis must use digital meters, which must be turned on when taking a trip. Taxi drivers are also required to accept credit cards. Customers can learn more about their rights by visiting DFHV’s website. The agency uses several methods to receive complaints and compliments: online, by phone at (202) 645-7300, by email at [email protected], and through 311. To learn more about taxi fares, go to the agency’s website.

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New Vehicle Age and Mileage Criteria:

- Maximum vehicle age for internal combustion engine vehicles:  increased from 10 to 15 years
- Maximum vehicle age for EV, Hybris and WAVs:  increased from 10 to 20 years. To continue operating from 15 years up to 20 years, owners of these vehicles will have to submit an annual application verifying the suitability of the vehicle.
- Maximum mileage to enter service for new drivers:  increased from 65,000 to 150,000 miles
- Maximum mileage limit: none

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DFHV Newsletter June 2024:  

Installment Plans for Taxi Driver's License:

DFHV offers installment plans for taxi driver's license fees!

You can pay for your license in two convenient installments. This flexible payment option allows you to spread out the cost of your general operating fees, making it more manageable for your budget.

To take advantage of this offer, simply visit our website or stop by our Client Services department. Our team will be happy to help you set up your installment plan and answer any questions you may have.

For additional information, please contact the DFHV Client Services department at 202.645.7300 or [email protected].

WAV Pilot for Taxis outside of the Transport DC Program:

DFHV is excited to launch the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Pilot Program, aiming to enhance accessibility by boosting WAV driver recruitment, retention, and customer satisfaction. With a $500,000 extension of the Transport DC grant, Pars, Yellow Cab, and Transco will expand the WAV driver pool outside of the TDC Program, making DC more accessible for residents and visitors. The pilot launched on June 1, and it will end on September 30. Additionally, DFHV released a new hotline so individuals with disabilities who need to request a WAV can simply call (202) 977-4928 to help them find an accessible taxi quicker. For more information, please visit https://dfhv.dc.gov/wavpilot

Enforcement Reminders:

License plates must be visible. Avoid covering your license plate with obstructive covers. Vehicles with obstructed tags are subject to a $50 fine.

All taxis must accept credit cards and electronic payments. Customers told to pay only in cash may file complaints with DFHV. Drivers not accepting electronic payments may face $100 fines. Taxi drivers must use their meters; failure to do so or caught using faulty meters can result in a $500 fine. Signs requesting cash only are also not allowed.

Keep Bus Lanes Clear:

The Clear Lanes program by WMATA and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) enforces bus zone and lane rules. Avoid fines by staying out of bus zones and red bus lanes and using side streets for picking up and dropping off customers. Drivers caught conducting illegal actions in bus lanes (marked by red paint and signage) and bus zones (areas along the curb near 20 a bus stop flag) will receive a $100 fine, including taxi and limo drivers.  Learn more: ddot.dc.gov/node/1664671

Vision Zero Safety Reminders: 

U-turns can be dangerous. Follow the rules and don’t make illegal u-turns.
Slow down and obey the speed limit. Higher speeds are more likely to cause injury or death.
Give bicyclists space. Don’t park in the bike lane or double park; this forces bicyclists into busy roads.
Blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, or lanes of traffic is dangerous for all users. Use designated pick-up and drop-off areas instead.
Always stop at stop signs and look for pedestrians and bicyclists. Always stop for pedestrians at crossings and wait for them to cross before continuing.
Passengers, remember to remain alert of your surroundings, travel with friends, and know your driver. If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare service, make note of your driver’s ID or tag number and always let your friends and family know where you are.

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Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the following executive appointments to her cabinet:

Clint Osborn is appointed Acting Director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). A seasoned administrator, Director Osborn has led policy development and systems focusing on preparedness program development for emergency management agencies, including several leadership roles at HSEMA. He previously served as HSEMA’s Chief of Operations and Intelligence, responsible for the 24/7 joint all-hazards operations center, the intelligence fusion center, the emergency operations center, logistics and facilities, and the District’s preparedness program. Throughout 2020 and 2021, Director Osborn served on the Mayor’s Incident Management Team which handled multiple concurrent emergencies from COVID-19 to the extended summer heat season, dozens of First Amendment demonstrations, the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. Prior to his role as Deputy Director, he served as HSEMA’s Chief of Preparedness, where he was responsible for the District-wide emergency management preparedness enterprise.

Jonathan Rogers is appointed Acting Director of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV). Director Rogers began his District Government career more than a decade ago as a Capital City Fellow, where he helped develop for-hire vehicle recommendations, policies, and programs across the public works cluster. While at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), he developed policy recommendations and regulations for Vision Zero, autonomous vehicles, Bikeshare, dockless scooters, ridesharing and carsharing, the DC Circulator, and the DC Streetcar. Director Rogers recently served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure (DMOI), where he was responsible for day-to-day management, strategic planning, and oversight of the DMOI cluster.

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