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Bowser Administration Sets New Safety Standards for District Taxicabs

Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Emergency Rule Requires Safety Partitions for Taxicabs

The Bowser Administration, through the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV), has issued an emergency regulation to ensure that the District’s taxicab operators and passengers have a safe riding experience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Effective October 19, 2020, each taxicab registered in the District is to be equipped with a safety partition between the front and rear seats.

 

The emergency regulation, Title 31, Section 601.9, notes that this requirement is to help minimize the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The partition may be temporary or permanent and can be hard or flexible. DFHV has 1,000 complimentary safety partitions available to distribute to vehicle owners.

 

“While we continue to monitor the impact of this public health emergency on the for-hire industry in the District, we want drivers and passengers to know that a safe ride is the priority for the Bowser Administration,” said DFHV Director David Do. “Our intent is to allow taxi operators the opportunity to continue providing our residents and visitors with safe service without adding to the current economic uncertainties.”   

 

DFHV has also launched a #RideSafeDC campaign that shares safety tips with for-hire passengers, to include wearing a face covering or mask, sitting in the rear of the vehicle, handling their own luggage, using contactless hailing and payment methods, and regularly washing hands or using hand sanitizer. The campaign also includes a video message placed on backseat monitors in DC taxis and the Chinatown Billboard, as well as, #RideSafeDC vehicle magnets posted on the rear passenger side door of taxis with illustrated icons to reinforce the safety protocols.

 

Stay safe. Stay informed. For the latest information on the District’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

 

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