Press Release: New DFHV Program Will Help Taxi Drivers Gain Skills and Fill School Bus Driver Shortage

News Release — DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 28, 2022

CONTACT:

Abigail Zenner (DFHV)

(WASHINGTON, DC) – A new Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) program is filling a shortage in school bus drivers by giving DC taxi drivers an opportunity to get Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) to drive the distinctive red DC SchoolConnect school buses that serve 24 DC public and charter schools in Wards 7 and 8.

The DFHV CDL program provides a grant for DC taxi drivers to train with a CDL driving school and get their license. The training takes six to eight weeks. If the taxi drivers commit to driving for DC SchoolConnect for at least six months, DFHV will pay for their training, worth about $5,000, and provide a signing bonus and other incentives to drive the DC SchoolConnect school buses.

DFHV has allocated $245,000 for these CDL training grants, which will enable it to train up to 50 drivers. This program is helping drivers who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic supplement their income by driving school buses.

“Thanks to Mayor Bowser’s investments in DFHV’s DC SchoolConnect program, we are not only helping students get to and from school safely but also giving taxi drivers a way to increase their skills and income,” said DFHV Director David Do. “Through this program, we can provide greater opportunities for taxi drivers in the District. It means even more as the industry works to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a win win for the District by providing economic opportunities and accessible and safe transportation for kids in Wards 7 and 8.”

The taxi drivers are gaining credentials in a field that is in high demand across the country. A nationwide shortage of CDL drivers has meant many school systems have turned to creative solutions to fill the critical need. DC taxi drivers interested in applying for the grant program may visit dfhv.dc.gov/page/grant-funding.

DC SchoolConnect launched in August 2021 thanks to Mayor Bowser’s initial investment of $6.1 million. Her proposed “Fair Shot” budget will continue that $6.1 million investment for Fiscal Year 2023. The program provides a shared-ride shuttle service for schools located in Safe Passage priority areas which were identified by school communities, public safety, and transportation specialists as places where students have had safety concerns getting to and from school. Learn more about DC SchoolConnect at dcschoolconnect.com.