Contact: (855) 484-4966; [email protected]
The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) announces that taxicab operators will receive additional time, at least through January 15, 2014, to install the backseat passenger consoles. This decision is the result of delays with the delivery of equipment.
Operators must make an appointment for the installation of the equipment immediately in order to take advantage of this opportunity. Proof of an upcoming appointment must be kept with the vehicle at all times to allow for inspection by a Hack Inspector or Metropolitan Police Officer. DCTC will receive updates to monitor appointments from Payment Service Providers that install this element of the Modern Taximeter System. Hack Inspectors will carry updated lists to review.
Taxicab operators can avoid receiving a ticket (Notice of Infraction) when stopped by a Hack Inspector for not having the backseat passenger console if a scheduled appointment can be verified. If the driver does not have proof of an appointment and their vehicle is not on the updated list of scheduled appointments, then a warning ticket will be issued, at least through January 15, 2014, and the vehicle will not be impounded. If the driver later submits evidence that installation of the equipment was completed prior to January 15, 2014, DCTC will move the Office of Administrative Hearings to dismiss any citations.
In addition, DCTC reports that 5,889 new standardized dome lights have been installed and approximately 700 are in stock at various installation shops. This is a sufficient amount to equip the remaining active fleet. Thus, while an operator cannot carry passengers without the new standardized dome light, an operator can make a dome light installation appointment with an installation shop and provide proof that he or she is traveling to that scheduled installation appointment to avoid citation or impoundment. DCTC will receive updates to monitor appointments from dome light installation shops. If scheduled appointments are not kept, vehicles will be subject to impoundment. Hack Inspectors will carry updated lists to review.
The dome light installation shops that have confirmed available dome lights in stock are: A-1 Meters; ASU; Auto Ward Inc; Bass & Treble; C & E Taximeter Services; Dial Cab; Empire DC Flyer Cab Association; Icon Meter; Jindal Andre Automotive; Silver Auto Care Center; Transco Inc; UVC; and VIP Cab.