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Council extends taxi-franchise ordinance through Aug. 31 or sooner to cover convention period
Summary
Facing an expiring taxi-franchise ordinance and the upcoming Democratic National Convention, the council extended existing taxi franchise authority to Aug. 31 (or sooner if new franchises are awarded) to avoid a lapse in regulated service during the convention period.
The Los Angeles City Council approved an extension of the city's taxi‑franchise ordinance to Aug. 31, with an “or sooner” clause allowing the extension to end earlier if new franchises are awarded. The vote on item 11, as amended, was 12-0.
The Department of Transportation told the council the current ordinance was set to expire March 31 and staff were in the middle of an RFP process to replace existing franchises. James Oguzaki, assistant general manager of LADOT, said delays in the RFP and referral back to committee meant the city needed a temporary extension to maintain taxi service.
Public comment from taxi-industry stakeholders said a limited franchise supply had created a market for unlicensed “bandit” cabs; speaker Leonard Shapiro urged the council to consider expanding franchise allowances. Shapiro told the council anecdotally there were about 2,300 franchises and roughly 2,000 unlicensed operators countywide.
Council members debated whether to extend to July 31 (as DOT recommended) or to allow a slightly longer window through Aug. 31 to cover the Democratic National Convention and provide a contingency if the RFP timeline slipped. Councilmembers agreed to the August date “or sooner” so the extension would end automatically if contractors were selected earlier.
The council directed City Attorney staff to prepare the ordinance amendment; the measure took effect immediately under the six‑voter emergency provision, and councilmembers said DOT would continue to pursue the RFP and report back.
