Taxi medallion holders advocate for rights at city commission meeting

The July 4, 2025, meeting of the San Francisco City Commission focused on the contentious issue of taxi medallion holders, particularly those who are elderly or disabled. The session began with Charles Rathbone, a taxi medallion holder, addressing the commission to clarify misconceptions regarding the value of taxi medallions. Rathbone presented sworn testimony from two expert witnesses, indicating that the current value of a medallion could range from $30,000 to $130,000, countering claims that they are worthless. He urged the commission to consider the implications of revoking medallions, which could represent the sole asset for many elderly and disabled drivers.

Following Rathbone, Marcela Fonseca, a career cab driver and K Medallion holder, implored the commissioners not to yield to arguments from city attorneys advocating for the revocation of permits from disabled medallion holders. Fonseca emphasized the importance of social justice and the need for the commission to protect the rights of these individuals.

Carl McMurdo then addressed the commission, challenging the interpretation of a recent Ninth Circuit ruling regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its implications for medallion holders. He argued that the city’s actions could be seen as a violation of ADA principles, particularly concerning the requirements imposed on disabled permit holders.

Robert Chisana followed, discussing the MTA's past program that allowed K drivers over 60 or disabled individuals to sell their medallions. He criticized the MTA for enforcing new requirements that he believes are designed to strip valuable assets from disabled drivers, highlighting the lack of sales activity in the medallion market since 2015.

Evelyn Pouquet, president of Alliance Cab, concluded the public comments by questioning the timing and enforcement of the MTA's requirements for medallion renewal. She pointed out that the regulations were introduced long after the original Prop K was passed and argued that the MTA's sudden enforcement appears to be a tactic to reclaim medallions for financial gain.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle between the city’s regulatory framework and the rights of taxi medallion holders, particularly those facing health challenges. The commissioners are expected to deliberate on these issues further, with significant implications for the livelihoods of many drivers in San Francisco.