Contact: Neville Waters (202) 645-6020; [email protected]
(Washington, DC) - The DC Taxicab Commission announced that 86 wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) have been added to the District’s taxicab fleet as a result of the Taxicab Service Improvement Act, which aims to improve vehicle services for residents and visitors with disabilities.
The new law states that 6% of a taxicab company’s fleet must be comprised of WAVs by December 31, 2014. While the minimum number of WAVs expected in taxi company fleets to meet the legislative requirement is 92, several companies exceeded their minimum requirements.
“The DC Taxicab Commission is encouraged by the companies that not only met their requirement, but exceeded the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles added to their operations, said Acting DCTC Chairman Ernest Chrappah. “Enhancing services for those who need accessible transportation is a priority for the Commission.”
Of the 91 companies authorized to operate in the District, 20 have currently not meet the required mandate. These companies have been notified that the renewal of their authority to operate is currently being denied. They have also been advised to cease all operations as a taxicab company effective July 15, 2015.
Pursuant to current regulations, company owners have 14 days to appeal this denial of renewal of their certificate of operating authority.
The companies that have been denied renewal include:
1. Ambassador Cab Association
2. Black Pearl Cab Company
3. Classic Cab Association
4. Columbia Cab Association
5. Constitution Cab Company
6. Dial Cab Company
7. Dynasty Cab Company
8. Empire Cab Association
9. Essence Cab Company
10. Fairway Cab Association
11. Luxury Cab Company
12. Maine Cab Company
13. Meritt Cab Association
14. Patriot Cab Company
15. Presidential Cab Association
16. Rock Creek Cab Company
17. Silver Cab Association
18. Travelers Cab Company
19. VIP Cab Company
According to the legislation, taxi companies will need to convert 12% of their fleet to WAVs by December 31, 2016.
For more information, please visit: dctaxi.dc.gov/page/regulations-and-panels