Medallion holders plead for help as rideshare and airport service changes cut revenue

Multiple medallion taxi owners used general public comment to urge the board to address what they described as an existential crisis for regulated taxi operators. Speakers said rideshare companies and new airport pickup arrangements have undercut medallion revenue and asked for regulatory changes or relief programs.

A medallion owner said the airport runway work and other operational changes have reduced revenue by about 50 percent and pressed the board for a program to help medallion holders. Another speaker argued for equal regulatory treatment for TCP‑permitted vehicles and cited examples from other cities.

Why it matters: Local taxi owners said continued revenue declines threaten paratransit capacity and longstanding taxi services that some agencies rely on for specialized transportation. Supervisors acknowledged the comments but did not take immediate action during public comment; staff referrals or committee follow‑up would be the expected next steps.

What happens next: The board heard the comments and closed public comment. Taxi owners were advised to follow up with staff; the issue may be taken up in future committee hearings or by the Municipal Transportation Agency.