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Taxi medallion owners urge SFMTA to reconsider $1,000 renewal fee and expansion of medallion programs
Summary
Dozens of medallion holders and taxi drivers told the board the industry cannot absorb new fees and criticized earlier issuance of additional medallions and TNC competition; speakers requested fee rescission, refunds or other remedies and warned of protests and nonpayment.
A large group of taxi medallion holders and drivers used the public‑comment period to press the SFMTA Board on medallion‑related policies, including a newly approved $1,000 annual renewal fee and the agency’s reissuance of 'S' and 8,000‑series medallions.
Speakers described steep financial losses tied to expanded for‑hire vehicle operations in the city and urged the board to rescind renewal fees or refund past medallion purchases. One speaker summarized the drivers’ position: they said medallion values collapsed after thousands of TNC vehicles entered the market and urged the city to either buy back medallions or provide compensation (multiple speakers including Mark Brueberg, Indarjit Singh Gotra, Namdev Sharma, and others).
Speakers also asked staff to share lists and compliance information with state regulators so insurance enforcement could be strengthened. Several requested that the City Attorney and state insurance commissioner review alleged insurance fraud by TNC drivers. Others urged the board to delay or waive fees given documented industry hardship; some speakers threatened nonpayment actions or protests if the board did not act.
Board members heard the comments but did not take immediate fee‑setting action during the meeting. Several directors acknowledged the hardship testimony and encouraged further review of the fee policy and potential mitigation steps.
Next steps: No formal action was taken on medallion fee policy at the meeting. Numerous speakers said they will continue advocacy, and some asked for Board follow‑up on enforcement, fee waivers and financial relief options.
