MCDOT Initiates New Program Using Taxis to Provide Essential Delivery Services in Response to COVID-19 Health Crisis

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 24, 2020

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced today that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. Call-n-Ride Essential Delivery Services aims to support food security needs for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

Participating taxicab companies will pick up and deliver from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants to Call-n-Ride participants’ doorsteps, with a phone call delivery confirmation. Taxicab drivers will wear face coverings and the program will provide a contactless delivery service.

“During this difficult time when many of our seniors and people with disabilities have been encouraged to stay at home for their own protection, I am proud of MCDOT’s continued creativity and partnership with taxi companies to allow Call-n-Ride participants to put their monthly transportation credits toward delivery services, rather than making trips themselves,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Allowing funds to be used for delivery helps our most vulnerable residents stay home and stay safe, while providing much-needed work for our local taxicab drivers.”

All Call-n-Ride participants will be notified of the program by mail sent today, but program information is available online now at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/seniors.html#Call-n-Ride.

While this program has been initiated to serve low-income seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Call-n-Ride, taxi companies may offer similar services to the general public.

MCDOT regulates taxi services in the County and has directed taxi fleets to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for maintaining clean and safe vehicles for the public. In accordance with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s requirements, drivers and passengers must wear face coverings while in a taxi or shared vehicle.

During this time when other forms of public transportation are operating on reduced service levels, taxis remain in operation. Each taxicab company in Montgomery County offers wheelchair accessible vehicles available for any member of the public.

A list of taxi companies serving the County and resources for passengers is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-DIR/taxi_reg/taxi_user.html.

To learn more about Call-n-Ride and apply to participate in the program, visit apps.montgomerycountymd.gov/callandride.

For the most up-to-date local transportation information, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit MCDOT’s transportation resource page for COVID-19, or subscribe to MCDOT news releases.

For the latest Montgomery County updates during the health crisis, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

Release ID: 20-088
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389