San Francisco board votes to extend taxi pilot program through June 2025

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the continuation of a pilot program aimed at improving outcomes for taxi drivers. The discussion centered around proposed amendments that would enhance data collection and reporting related to third-party dispatch trips.

The key proposal is to extend the pilot program until June 30, 2025, allowing the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board (MTAB) to develop additional metrics. These metrics will assess the impact of third-party dispatch services on traditional taxi services, specifically whether these services are supplementing or replacing street hail and e-taxi trips. The amendments also call for quarterly reports to be submitted directly to the Board of Supervisors, detailing the total charges incurred by third-party passengers, including fares and any additional fees.

The meeting highlighted the importance of ensuring that taxi drivers see at least a 10% increase in revenue from participating in third-party trips, which is a primary goal of the pilot program. The amendments aim to gather more specific data that stakeholders believe will provide a fair evaluation of the program's effectiveness.

The discussion concluded with a commitment to reconvene in December, where further insights and a comprehensive presentation from Kate Thorne, who was unable to attend, are anticipated. The Board expressed support for the amendments and the continuation of the pilot program, emphasizing the need to support taxi drivers in a competitive transportation landscape.