D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 31, r. 31-1604

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 31-1604 - DIGITAL DISPATCH SERVICES - OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

1604.1

Each digital dispatch service shall operate in compliance with this title and other applicable laws.

1604.2

Each digital dispatch service shall calculate fares and, where applicable, provide receipts to passengers, as provided in: Chapter 8 for taxicabs, Chapter 14 for black cars, and Chapter 19 for private sedans.

1604.3

Each digital dispatch service shall submit proof that the company maintains a website containing information on its:

(a) Method of fare calculation

(b) Rates and fees charged, and

(c) Customer service telephone number or email address

1604.4

If a digital dispatch service charges a fare other than a metered taxicab rate, the company shall, prior to booking, disclose to the passenger:

(a) The fare calculation method;

(b) The applicable rates being charged; and

(c) The option to receive an estimated fare.

1604.5

Each digital dispatch service shall review any complaint involving a fare that exceeds the estimated fare by twenty (20) percent or twenty-five (25) dollars, whichever is less.

1604.6

Each digital dispatch service shall provide its service throughout the District.

1604.7

Every three (3) months, based on the District's fiscal year calendar, each digital dispatch service shall separately transmit to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), for deposit into the Consumer Service Fund in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Title, each of the following amounts, reflecting business activity from (1) October through December; (2) January through March; (3) April through June; and (4) July through September:

(a) For trips by taxicab: the per trip taxicab passenger surcharge; and

(b) For trips by black cars and private sedans: one (1) percent of all gross receipts.

1604.8

An authorized representative of each digital dispatch service shall certify in writing under oath, using a form provided by the Office, that each amount transmitted to OCFO pursuant to § 1604.7 meets the requirements of § 1604.7, accompanied by documentation of the digital dispatch service's choosing which reasonably supports the amount of the deposit. Each certification and supporting documentation shall be provided to OCFO.

1604.9

Not later than January 1, 2016, each digital dispatch service shall ensure that its website and mobile applications are accessible to the blind and visually impaired, and the deaf and hard of hearing.

1604.10

Each digital dispatch service shall train its associated operators in the proper and safe handling of mobility devices and equipment, and how to treat individuals with disabilities in a respectful and courteous manner. Completion of training acceptable to qualify an individual for an AVID operator's license issued by the Office shall satisfy this training requirement.

1604.11

Each digital dispatch service shall:

(a) Use technology that meets or exceeds current industry standards for the security and privacy of all payment and other information provided by a passenger, or made available to the digital dispatch service as a result of the passenger's use of the digital dispatch service;

(b) Promptly inform the Office of a security breach requiring a report under the Consumer Personal Information Security Breach Notification Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-237, D.C. Official Code §§ 28-3851et seq.), or other applicable law;

(c) Not release information to any person that would result in a violation of the personal privacy of a passenger or that would threaten the safety of a passenger or an operator; and

(d) Not permit access to real-time information about the location, apparent gender, or number of passengers awaiting pick up by a person not authorized to receive such information. Where a digital dispatch service shares a request for service with another person for the purpose of providing wheelchair service to a passenger, the passenger's destination shall not be provided.

1604.12

Subsection 1604.11 shall not limit access to information by the Office.

1604.13

During a state of emergency declared by the Mayor, a digital dispatch service which engages in surge pricing shall limit the multiplier by which its base fare is multiplied to the next highest multiple below the three highest multiples set on different days in the sixty (60) days preceding the declaration of a state of emergency for the same type of service in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

1604.14

Each digital dispatch service shall comply with § 828.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 31, r. 31-1604

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 4430 (May 2, 2014); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 338 (1/8/2016)

Authority: Sections 8(c)(2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (19) and (20), 14, 20 and 20 a of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Establishment Act of 1985 ("Establishment" Act), effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-97; D.C. Official Code §§50-307(c)(2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (19) and (20) (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.); D.C. Official Code §50-313 (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.); D.C. Official Code §50-319 (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.); and D.C. Official Code §50-320 (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.)); D.C. Official Code § 47 -2829 (b), (d), (e), (e-1), and (i) (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.).