Committee accepts amendments and continues taxi upfront-fare pilot resolution, seeks quarterly SFMTA reports

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee on Nov. 16 accepted amendments to a resolution concerning the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) upfront-fare (FAIR) taxi pilot and voted to continue the item to the call of the chair so staff can return with further data.

Supervisor Connie Chan, sponsor of the resolution, said the measure originally urged removal of third-party dispatch from the pilot but that ongoing engagement with drivers, SFMTA and other stakeholders had shown the pilot could be useful if data collection and metrics meet oversight needs. "We would like to see this pilot continue tracking additional data, develop additional program metrics, and to continue to submit a quarterly report to the Board of Supervisors," Chan said.

Chan noted that the SFMTA board (referred to in discussion as MTAB) has already extended the pilot through June 30, 2025, and that the pilot was expected to achieve at least a 10% or greater increase in revenue for participating taxi drivers as an early benchmark.

Public comment produced a mix of perspectives. Flywheel representatives and drivers told the committee the pilot has increased drivers’ earnings and introduced new riders to taxis: Muwafer Mustafa, Flywheel manager, said the program is "improving drivers' incomes" and facilitating customer acquisition; a Flywheel driver said the program now accounts for more than 50% of his daily income. Flywheel Technologies CEO Izzy said participation is optional and that drivers can decline third-party trips.

Labor representatives urged continued oversight and safeguards. Evelyn Engle of the Taxi Workers Alliance said the Board has historically regulated aspects of taxi service and should monitor the pilot to protect labor and consumer protections; Mark Gruber of the Taxi Workers Alliance warned that prolonged pilots can become entrenched and urged the Board to require termination authority if goals are unmet.

After discussion and a friendly amendment from Chair Preston on scheduling, the committee voted to accept the amendments and continue the matter to the call of the chair. Vice Chair Stephanie, Supervisor Chan and Chair Preston voted aye (3–0). Chair Preston said he will coordinate with SFMTA to return the matter to committee with the requested data for further evaluation.