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Supervisors amend and continue resolution urging MTA to reconsider shifting credit-card fees to drivers
Summary
The board amended a resolution urging the Municipal Transportation Agency to reverse a decision that would shift credit-card merchant fees onto taxi drivers, and continued the matter one week for further review and stakeholder engagement.
The Board of Supervisors amended and continued a resolution urging the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) to reconsider plans to shift credit-card merchant fees from taxi companies onto individual cab drivers.
Supervisor David Campos, who introduced the resolution, said shifting the cost to drivers would harm low- and middle-income drivers and could reduce service and passenger convenience. The board approved an amendment that narrowed the resolution to express concern over shifting the burden and to request MTA stakeholder negotiations, then voted to continue the item for one week to July 26 for further action.
Why it matters Taxi drivers told the board they face rising costs and stagnant fares; drivers and advocates argued that a new policy to pass credit-card processing charges onto drivers would reduce incomes, encourage some drivers to refuse credit-card payments, and compromise rider convenience. Several speakers and groups urged the board to press the MTA to find a fairer approach.
Next steps The resolution, as amended, will return to the board at the July 26 meeting. In the meantime the board requested MTA engagement with drivers, companies and labor stakeholders to seek a less burdensome approach.
