Board Rejects Rehearing on Taxi Commission Decision to Add Ramped and Hybrid Permits

The Board of Appeals declined to grant a rehearing of the Taxi Commission—s decision to issue 25 alternative‑fuel or hybrid taxi permits and 25 ramped taxi permits. The motion to deny rehearing passed 5–0.

Peter Witt, a 20‑year yellow cab driver, told the board he believed the Taxi Commission—s decision was "capricious" and based on inadequate data, saying the additional permits would harm dispatch and driver incomes. "I am here requesting a rehearing because the taxi commission's decision was arbitrary and capricious, and was based on insufficient and inadequate data," Witt said. (Peter Witt, SEG 876–887.)

Taxi industry commenters and drivers urged more transparency and accountability from the Taxi Commission, and stressed operational issues for ramp taxi service, dispatch reliability and performance reporting for medallion holders. Some advocates focused on the need for better incentives and oversight for ramp taxi holders to ensure accessible service benefits disabled riders rather than only increasing airport pickup frequency.

Board members discussed the rehearing standard — whether new evidence or manifest injustice had been shown — and concluded the filing did not present new, material evidence that would change the earlier decision. Several commissioners said they were sympathetic to drivers' concerns about equity and dispatch, but that the rehearing standard was not met.

Outcome: The Board denied the rehearing request 5–0. Commissioners urged the Taxi Commission and city staff to pursue greater performance reporting and accountability for ramp taxi programs.

Next steps: The Taxi Commission or drivers may pursue administrative or legislative avenues; commissioners encouraged staff to consider further reporting on ramp taxi performance and accessibility metrics.