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Committee Signals Intent to Transfer Taxi Commission Powers to MTA, Seeks 180‑Day Implementation Plan
Summary
After a presentation by MTA staff, the committee directed staff to prepare a resolution signaling intent to transfer Taxi Commission powers to the Municipal Transportation Agency and continue the ordinance while the city recruits a taxi director and develops implementation rules within about 180 days; taxi drivers urged protections for Proposition K and medallion holders.
The Government Audit and Oversight Committee heard a presentation from MTA staff on an integration plan to transfer the powers and duties of the Taxi Commission into the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and, without objection, directed staff to prepare a resolution signaling the Board’s intent to transfer authority once recruitment and regulatory work are further developed within about 180 days.
Nathaniel Ford (referred to in the record as Mr. Ford) presented the MTA’s strategy, describing expected benefits such as consolidated transportation oversight, better coordination of paratransit and taxi services, and administrative efficiencies by streamlining redundant work orders between agencies. Ford said some administrative functions now handled in Taxi Commission meetings could be resolved at the staff level while preserving board‑level oversight for appeals and disciplinary matters.
Supervisors probed projected savings, staffing impacts and whether the MTA could absorb taxi regulatory responsibilities without distracting from major capital projects. Ford said the taxi commission’s executive director position is vacant, that a national search firm has been engaged, and that the MTA is preparing a job description for a director of taxis and accessible services; he projected the department could return with a director and a blueprint within about 180 days.
During public comment, taxi drivers and industry representatives expressed mixed views. Charles Rathbone (Luxor Cab) said communications from Mr. Ford, Ms. Johnson and the mayor’s office have eased anxiety and that the industry could be comfortable moving forward. Mark Ruberg of United Taxicab Workers welcomed change but warned, "By no means must the taxi industry be used as a cash cow for Muni's purposes," and urged that Proposition K protections and current staff remain during the transition. Barry Klingold, a long‑time driver, urged the committee to reconsider, saying the merger could enable the MTA to override Prop K and jeopardize medallion holders.
Board counsel and supervisors agreed that more groundwork should be laid before final transfer. The committee asked the city attorney to prepare a resolution expressing the Board’s intent to transfer, subject to satisfactory recruitment of a director and promulgation of necessary processes and regulations; the ordinance file will be continued to the call of the chair.
Mr. Ford closed by commending Jordana Thigpen for her work coordinating transition tasks. The committee adjourned.
