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Taxi advocate urges city action after pickup congestion, unlicensed drivers near clubs
Summary
A taxi-industry advocate told the San Francisco Entertainment Commission that double- and triple‑parked vehicles and informal queuing by unlicensed drivers at nightlife venues pose safety and congestion risks and urged the city to require temporary white zones or cab stands as permit conditions.
Barry Toronto, a longtime taxi driver and nightlife industry advocate, told the San Francisco Entertainment Commission that double- and triple-parked vehicles and unlicensed drivers soliciting fares outside clubs are creating safety and congestion problems in entertainment districts.
“People are queuing up that don’t have a passenger yet. They’re not licensed to do what we do,” Toronto said during general public comment, naming Temple and Great Northern as examples of busy venues where cars lingered and security did not intervene. He said one security guard threatened him after he reported dangerous double parking.
Toronto asked the commission to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Sustainable Streets to require temporary, permitted white zones or cab stands as a condition of venue approvals so licensed taxis and ride services can pick up and drop off passengers safely without blocking traffic.
The commission did not take immediate regulatory action during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the problem during subsequent agenda items on enforcement and one-time permits and discussed the possibility of including pickup/queuing conditions in future permit approvals or coordinating with other city agencies to install designated curb space.
The commission’s next regular meeting will include updates from staff on enforcement and permitting practices that may address the concerns raised by Toronto.
