Board continues medallion revocation appeals after heated debate over law and equity

On Feb. 16, 2022 the San Francisco Board of Appeals heard extended argument and public comment on multiple SFMTA notices of non‑renewal and medallion revocations, including the appeals of medallion holders such as George Horbel (medallion 1303).

SFMTA staff told the board revocations were based on Transportation Code requirements that medallion holders maintain a valid California driver’s license and an A‑card and, for certain post‑K medallions, drive a minimum number of hours annually. Philip Crana, Enforcement and Legal Affairs Manager for SFMTA Taxi Services, explained the code history (Prop K/1978, the creation of a full‑time driving requirement, and later transfer of authority to MTA) and said the agency’s actions followed the Transportation Code and subsequent MTA resolutions.

Appellants and dozens of public commenters — many long‑time drivers and medallion holders — described decades of investment and argued that enforcement now would be punitive at a time when industry value collapsed because of rideshare competition. George Horbel said revocation would destroy any financial security in his remaining years; other speakers, including advocates and fellow drivers, urged the board to hold enforcement until a surrender‑for‑compensation program is operable.

Commissioners divided sharply. Some said the Transportation Code and existing MTA rules leave little discretion; others called for empathy and urged a continuance to allow exploration of surrender‑for‑compensation options and for potential city‑attorney guidance on ambiguous code sections. A motion to deny the appeal failed; a subsequent motion to continue the matters to the call of the chair carried (3–2). The matters remain pending with instructions that parties may present further materials when the board schedules rehearing.