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Mark Gruberg

San Francisco electric taxi program faces setbacks

In 2010, San Francisco received $7 million to establish an electric vehicle taxi network that would put it on par with global cities like Tokyo and Amsterdam. Yet two years later, the network still doesn’t exist and it won’t be ready until 2013, due to a series of planning delays. Read More

More cabs could be out on city streets for big weekend events

Taxi passengers received a little relief this past weekend, when city officials approved the issuance of 100 temporary cab permits to accommodate the crowds for the U.S. Open. Similar practices may be in store for future events. Several of San Francisco’s biggest cab companies have extra cars available at their lots, but due to The City’s quota restrictions, those vehicles remain unused, even while customers struggle to get rides. Read More

SFMTA’s plan to steer cabs from cash course to plastic wins few fans

The contentious issue of credit card fees in San Francisco taxis, which has resulted in plastic-carrying riders being shunned, could be resolved Tuesday, though neither cabdrivers nor cab companies are pleased with the proposal. Read More

Oracle OpenWorld cuts off San Francisco taxi drivers

Taxis at Oracle
You’d think an event that brings an extra 45,000 people to San Francisco streets would be a boon to local taxi drivers, but cabbies in The City are saying that fares are exceptionally hard to come by at this year’s Oracle OpenWorld event at Moscone Center. Read More

Cut of backseat taxi advertising could go to San Francisco

San Francisco taxi cabs
In a move seen by drivers and taxi owners as the latest insult to their industry, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency officials have considered taking a slice of the revenue generated by backseat advertising. Read More

San Franciscans could have easier time catching cabs — but may have to pay for it

San Francisco taxis
Taxi passengers in San Francisco could soon have an easier time hailing a cab — but it will come at a cost.Today, the board of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will consider a proposal to add 87 more cabs to The City’s current 1,500-vehicle fleet during busy travel times. But the increase could coincide with a trio of meter rate hikes that would raise the cost of a 3-mile trip by more than $2. Read More

San Francisco council’s vote raises questions about cab credit card fees

San Francisco taxis
Credit card fees for taxi drivers, an issue that has led to protests and threats of strikes, might be lessened or eliminated. On Monday, the Taxi Advisory Council recommended ending a pilot program allowing cab companies to charge drivers a 5 percent credit card transaction fee. In place since October, the program grants companies a waiver from San Francisco’s transportation code protecting drivers from such fees. Read More
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