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Panel narrowly backs charter amendment to require mayoral sign-off on certain SFMTA revenue changes
Summary
The Rules Committee voted 2–1 to recommend to the full board a charter amendment requiring the mayor’s affirmative written approval for certain SFMTA actions (fares, parking-meter rates/hours); proponents said the change increases accountability, opponents warned it could constrain transit revenue tools amid a large SFMTA shortfall.
Supervisor Asha Safaie presented a charter amendment to require the mayor’s affirmative written approval for SFMTA proposals that would change fares or parking-meter rates and hours. Safaie said the change brings decision-making accountability to an elected official for revenue actions that affect working families and merchants.
Supporters — including union representatives — argued that extending parking meter hours or raising rates directly affects workers who commute late and small businesses. "If they extend the hours to 10:00, it's gonna affect a lot of our members who start working at 5 and 6 p.m.," one union representative told the committee.
MTA staff warned that the agency faces a substantial revenue shortfall and that restricting the MTA’s tools could force service reductions. A public commenter and transit advocate urged a different approach: require the mayor provide a written disapproval with suggested alternative revenues.
On a roll-call vote the committee recommended the charter amendment to the full board by a 2–1 vote.
