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Board approves taxi gate fee increase and incentive for alternative‑fuel vehicles after tie vote and delay
Summary
Supervisors approved an ordinance raising taxi gate fees and providing a larger gate fee for alternative‑fuel vehicles, designed to encourage greener taxi fleets while aiming to avoid negative impacts on drivers; the ordinance passed after an initial 5–5 tie and subsequent 6–5 approval.
The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to amend taxi gate fees and create a surcharge structure meant to encourage taxi fleets to adopt low‑emission and alternative‑fuel vehicles.
Sponsor Supervisor Sandoval said the ordinance was modeled on a Harvey Rose economic analysis that predicted an ability to raise gate fees without harming drivers. The approved proposal raises the base gate fee by $5 and allows an additional $7.50 increase for companies that operate alternative‑fuel vehicles. The sponsor and supporters said the change would be revenue neutral for drivers and could raise drivers' take‑home pay by an estimated $1,500 per year under conservative assumptions.
The ordinance first produced a 5‑5 tie because one supervisor was temporarily absent; colleagues rescinded and retook the roll call after the missing member returned. The final roll call on the item showed six ayes and five noes, and the clerk announced that the item was approved.
Supporters framed the ordinance as a low‑cost way to make taxi operations greener without public subsidies, riders seeing fare increases, or harm to drivers’ income. Opponents raised concerns about potential unforeseen impacts on drivers and companies. Proponents pointed to testimony from Paul Gillespie, identified in the transcript as president of the Taxi Commission, and to stakeholder outreach.
The ordinance will modify airport gate fees and related surcharges and includes administration and enforcement steps; the final text will be incorporated into the city's taxi regulations and fare schedules and is subject to implementation by the Taxi Commission and the Airport Commission as applicable.
