Media Contact: Neville Waters, (202) 645-6020; [email protected]
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is making $31,000 in funding available to wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) owners to improve the availability and usage of wheelchair accessible taxis. A total of $12,500 will be available to companies and the remaining $18,500 will be available to drivers and independent owners. The incentive program rewards drivers $5 for each completed trip in a WAV up to a maximum of $500 per driver. Upon completion of this pilot program, DFHV will evaluate participating companies’ utilization of the WAVs in their fleet and award the five companies with the highest WAV utilization $2,500 each. The top five drivers with the highest number of evening trips will receive an additional $200 each.
This 8-week incentive program is open to any independent owner of a WAV taxicab licensed by DFHV and any taxicab driver or taxicab company licensed by DFHV. Other eligibility requirements include the following:
- Successful completion of disability sensitivity and WAV training by the driver
- Trips with a negative rating or passenger complaints will not count to the bonus
- Drivers must be logged into the DC TaxiApp when on duty
- A driver must complete a minimum 25 trips in a month during the pilot program
- Trips can be hailed or dispatched via DC TaxiApp, UberTaxi, or Transport DC
Participants in this program must sign and agree to the terms and conditions in the grant agreement. Driver bonuses must be disbursed within three (3) business days of receiving funds from DFHV. Vehicle information, trip data, and driver information must be submitted to DFHV to receive funds. If a driver does not complete a minimum of 25 trips in a particular month the driver will be eligible for funding if 25 trips are achieved in a subsequent month. Companies must provide proof of bonus payments to drivers prior to receiving a company bonus.
“This incentive program is intended to stimulate the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles and maximize their use,” said DFHV Director Ernest Chrappah. “The Department of For-Hire Vehicles continues to provide leadership to ensure District residents and visitors have safe, affordable and accessible transportation options.”
This incentive program will run from July 1 through August 31. All awards are subject to final review and availability of funding. Prior and new grantees are eligible. The deadline for WAV owners to sign agreements is July 14. Register for this incentive program at WAV Incentive Program.