04/27/2026
On Monday, April 27 (tomorrow), the Board of Supervisor's Land Use and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on Transportation and Economic Development on Market Street.
As you may recall, Mayor Lurie "welcomed" Waymo a year ago to the "car free" section of Market Street between 10th Street and Embarcadero Plaza. Previously, only Muni, taxis, paratransit and delivery vehicles had been allowed on this stretch, but the mayor claimed that allowing Waymo to operate as well would help revitalize downtown.
Uber and Lyft immediately objected, and by the time the changes went into effect last August, not only Waymos but also Uber Blacks and Lyft Blacks were allowed. These private service providers now have full access to Market Street.
The hearing was called by Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and the meeting will be chaired by Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who is a strong supporter of taxis. Join us to make public comment at the meeting and demand Market Street prioritizes public transportation and sustainable transportation, including taxis.
Monday, April 27
Land Use and Transportation Committee
SF City Hall, Room 250
Agenda Item 7
Arrive by 2:30 PM
The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m., but Item 7 is the last item on the agenda. Plan to arrive by 2:30 p.m. to give public comment.
We need a strong turnout!
The hearing will cover more than who gets to drive on Market Street. Several city departments have been invited to give presentations on how to revitalize the mid-Market corridor. You can read an SF Examiner article about the hearing here.
As it turned out, the Better Market Street legislation that created car-free Market Street had a carve-out for commercial vehicles, which was understood at the time to mean only taxis and delivery vehicles. Taxis were allowed not only because taxis have commercial plates, but because taxis are considered public transit in San Francisco.
Talking Points
You will have two minutes to speak. Here are some options:
Say your name and that you're a taxi driver or taxi medallion owner.
You serve passengers on Market Street and support economic revitalization of the corridor. If you had a good ride or an interesting passenger from Market Street, you can describe it briefly.
You support small businesses on Market Street, since you are a small business owner, too.
Waymo, Uber, Lyft and other for-hire vehicles that are NOT regulated by the City should NOT be allowed on Market Street.
Ask them to close the "commercial vehicle" loophole.
Market Street should prioritize public transit, including taxis, and sustainable modes like biking and walking.
Remind them that taxis serve everyone, including seniors and the disabled.
Try to stay positive, but firmly demand that locally regulated taxis should have exclusive access to Market Street.
Sincerely,
San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance
The SFTWA / AFL-CIO
