San Francisco Cabbies Count Down To Short Strike
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - San Francisco taxicab drivers hope a planned 2-hour strike Tuesday would persuade transit officials to reconsider several proposed administrative changes that they warn and worry will take money out of their wallets.
A number of cabbies have expressed concern about plans in San Francisco to allow more cabs on the streets. They're equally unhappy with an idea being floated that would allow the cab companies to charge drivers as much as 5 percent for passenger credit card transactions.
It's not fair, some drivers argued, because they stand to make less - and might not pick up as many fares.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
"Our customers want to use credit cards throughout our system," countered San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Paul Rose, explaining why the agency - which regulates taxis in San Francisco - has proposed the changes. "And they want to be able to find a taxicab whenever they're in the city.
"We don't expect a protest to significantly affect our customers," Rose added about the planned Tuesday work stoppage, which was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. It was unclear how many cabbies would take part.
The strike was timed to coincide with a 1:00 p.m. SFMTA Board of Directors meeting.
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