Supervisor Peskin introduces TNC congestion management tax for November ballot; nominates Punchline for legacy-business protection and seeks interim moratorium

Supervisor Aaron Peskin announced the introduction of a congestion-management tax on transportation network companies (TNCs) for the November ballot and described the measure’s legislative path to date, including state authorization and prior local task force work.

Peskin said the idea derived from recommendations of the Transportation Task Force and was refined through state legislation (Assembly Bill 1184), which the sponsor said confirmed the city’s charter authority to levy a dedicated tax on the TNC industry to mitigate traffic congestion. He said the county transportation authority’s analysis supports the idea that TNC activity contributes substantially to increased congestion and that a dedicated revenue source is needed to fund projects such as the Downtown Caltrain extension, more Muni drivers and buses, traffic signals at dangerous intersections, and bicycle network improvements.

Peskin said the measure initially considered a gross-receipts tax projected at roughly $30 million annually but was reworked through negotiations with the TNC companies and the state legislature. He thanked city staff and state legislators for assistance crafting enabling legislation.

Separately, Peskin said he and colleagues introduced an interim moratorium at 1 Maritime Plaza to prohibit non-nightlife entertainment uses at the property while the city considers expedited legacy-business status for the Punchline SF, a longstanding comedy venue facing displacement. He said he nominated the venue for expedited legacy-business status and that the moratorium was intended to preserve the club and its 34 employees while negotiations with the property owner continue.

Peskin also thanked colleagues for cosponsoring an interim moratorium and asked the board to proceed quickly to committee and further consideration.