(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced today that the DC.Taxicab Commission (DCTC) will accept applications for new cab companies if they provide “green” cabs that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.

The move is part of Mayor Gray’s effort to modernize the District’s taxicab industry.

“I am pleased to announce that the Taxicab Commission will make an exception to its moratorium on the acceptance of applications for new taxi companies to encourage the full introduction of a fleet of ‘green’ vehicles that meet federal and District of Columbia standards,” said Mayor Gray. “Also, at least 10 percent of the new cabs in the applicant’s fleet must be handicapped-accessible vehicles compliant with ADA requirements.”

New DCTC Chairman Ron Linton recently initiated a review of the current inventory of vehicles in the District’s taxicab fleet and confirmed the demonstrable shortage of “green” and handicapped-accessible vehicles in the for-hire industry.

“This is a great step forward towards building a more modern, environmentally sound and handicapped-accessible taxi fleet in the District,” said Linton. “The Commission agrees with Mayor Gray’s vision for improving the taxi industry and will move forward swiftly to launch this pilot program.”