(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced expansions under the Taxi-to-Rail (T2R) pilot program to give more transportation options to residents in neighborhoods East of the Anacostia River. T2R will increase the number of Metro stations served from eight to 10, with the addition of the Potomac Avenue and Navy Yard stations. In addition, a new T2R service will provide trips to and from locations such as grocery stores, libraries, and recreation centers.
“Building a more equitable and affordable transportation system is essential to providing all residents with pathways to the middle class,” said Mayor Bowser. “In addition to providing free Circulator rides and expanding Circulator routes into Ward 7, the Taxi-to-Rail program is another investment we’re making to help working families access the services and amenities they need.”
The T2R pilot was launched in June by the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) to help improve transportation equity. T2R provides passengers with a free taxicab ride of up to $10 to or from Metro stations – eight were part of the program’s launch (Anacostia, Congress Heights, Benning Road, Deanwood, Minnesota Avenue, Southern Avenue, Capitol Heights, and Naylor Road). With the addition of two more stations, and the ability to secure trips to certain retail and public facilities, T2R continues to offer innovative solutions connecting residents and visitors to opportunities and amenities on both sides of the Anacostia River.
Booking a ride under T2R is easy. Residents can set up a ride by calling (202) 727-3827 or going to www.Taxi2Rail.com. Rides also can be booked through the EZRidr app. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available.
“We are committed to developing better opportunities for residents and visitors to get around the city with multiple options that suit specific needs,” said DFHV Director David Do. “Serving all eight wards is a critical element to the DFHV mission to ensure residents of the District of Columbia to have safe, affordable, and accessible for-hire rides.”
In total, DFHV has invested more than $3.5 million this fiscal year in EOTR businesses through its grant programs. DFHV’s portfolio of pilots and grant programs are part of the agency’s mission to encourage the development of innovative solutions and invest in the local for-hire vehicle industry.
More information about T2R can be found at dfhv.dc.gov and details about grant funding are available at dfhv.dc.gov/page/grant-funding.