Contact: Neville Waters (202) 645-6020
The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) today launched an incentive program to encourage the owners of District taxicabs to paint their vehicles to the recently adopted uniform red and grey color design. In an effort to speed up transition to the color scheme, the program will offer a $200 voucher per vehicle painted. A survey of paint shops used by taxi owners indicated the cost range for painting is $400 to $600. There are some 3,000 vouchers that will be available on a first-come first-serve basis.
The incentive program begins today, January 15th, as the voucher is available to download from the Commission website. All vouchers must be redeemed by June 15, 2014. Vouchers and instructions are available at http://dctaxi.dc.gov/page/uniform-taxicab-color-design-incentive-program.
The uniform color of red with a gray stripe on the sides is a similar design to the city’s other forms of public transportation: Metrobus and the Circulator. According to DCTC reports there are 6,500 active DC taxis and currently some 1,000 of them have already been painted.
Vehicle owners must change to the uniform color design when the vehicle is replaced in service because of age, mileage or DMV inspection failure. Once the vehicle has been painted, a copy of the invoice along with other confirming documents should be returned to the Commission for processing. Payments will be made by the DC Treasurer within 6 to 8 weeks.
District-based paint shops that are interested in providing their services must contact DCTC Driver Services to request a copy of the CAD drawings in order to ensure design specifications are met. If the vehicle fails DMV inspection, the vehicle owner is responsible for costs associated with repainting. Driver Services can be reached by calling (202) 645-4093 or by emailing [email protected].