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Appeals board upholds SFMTA revocation of taxi medallion over paratransit debit-card abuse
Summary
After reviewing video evidence and transaction records, the Board of Appeals upheld SFMTA's revocation of Vladimir Straznikov's taxi medallion for patterns of improper use of paratransit debit cards; vote was 4-1.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 20 upheld the Municipal Transportation Agency's decision to revoke Vladimir Straznikov's taxi medallion after the agency presented video-confirmed incidents and an operations analysis suggesting a pattern of improper paratransit debit-card use.
Attorney Stephen Goldstein urged leniency and alternative discipline, saying the only video-confirmed overcharges amounted to about $27 and proposing suspension or a fine rather than revocation. "The remedy that the administrative law judge has imposed is far too drastic," Goldstein said.
SFMTA and the paratransit broker presented data showing simultaneous balance checks for multiple cardholders, trips that did not originate or terminate at patrons' home addresses, and patterns inconsistent with normal paratransit use. John Sanderson of Veolia summarized the broker's analysis and reported dozens of near-simultaneous balance checks and patterns of ride routing that led investigators to conclude cards were used while patrons were not present. "We conclude that the cards were in possession of Mr. Strashnikov and not in possession of the patrons," Sanderson said.
The board considered the record of two video-confirmed incidents and broader transaction patterns. Concerned about public trust in paratransit services and the vulnerability of elderly and disabled riders, the board voted 4-1 to uphold the revocation; one commissioner dissented.
