Contact: Neville Waters (202) 645-6020; [email protected]

The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) today announced the adoption of two emergency rulemakings. One clarified the Vehicle Removal Schedule in Chapter 6 and another requires prompt payment to taxicab operators from Payment Service Providers (PSPs).

The Vehicle Removal Schedule has been clarified due to a delay with implementation caused by the adoption of the uniform color scheme. Thus, no later than January 1, 2014, or prior to the next regularly scheduled DMV vehicle inspection, all vehicles manufactured in model years 1997 and earlier must be removed from service. The schedule continues as follows: not later than January 1, 2015, all vehicles manufactured in model years 2004 and earlier must be removed from service; not later than January 1, 2016, all vehicles manufactured in model years 2007 and earlier must be removed from service; and not later than January 1, 2017, all vehicles manufactured in model years 2010 and earlier must be removed from service. Thus, by 2018, no vehicle in service will be older than seven model years.

The emergency rulemaking requiring prompt payment to taxicab operators amends Chapter 4, Section 411 referring to penalties and Chapter 5, Section 509 referencing compliance to pay operators within 24 hours or one day business day from receipt of revenue by the taxicab company and increases fines for failure to meet this requirement.

These actions were adopted on an emergency basis to ensure their immediate implementation to allow drivers to take advantage of the vehicle waiver process and due to the impact on driver revenue. The proposed rulemaking regarding the Vehicle Removal Schedule would become final if it’s approved for adoption after going through the usual regulatory process which includes a public hearing.