San Francisco cab drivers are planning a strike over expensive credit card fees and intrusive industry oversight practices. Tariq Mehmood, the driver spearheading the efforts, said that the cabbies plan to either circle their cars around City Hall in protest or keep their vehicles parked.
“The idea is to make taxi gridlock,” Mehmood said. “This is the only way to create awareness about the problems facing our industry.”
Drivers are outraged about a recent ruling from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency which allows cab companies to charge drivers 5% for each credit card transaction they make. They are upset about new electronic waybilling equipment which will closely monitor their fares and travel as well as plans to add television screens in the back seats of cars that will continuously air advertisements on a loop.
Mehmood said that he plans to try to persuade every cab driver in San Francisco to participate in the strike. While many cab drivers seemed unaware of the planned strike, nearly all of the drivers that the San Francisco Examiner approached said that they would participate.
“Last week, I lost $200 in credit card fees,” driver Bijaya Manandhar told the paper. “We’ve met repeatedly with The City about this, but they never listen to us.”
Jiwan Subba, another driver planning to strike, said that electronic tracking equipment is unnecessary, and that companies have never explained what information it will capture and for what purpose.
Mark Gruberg, a spokesman for the United Taxicab Workers, said that he thinks participation in the strike will be widespread.
Timothy Fulkerson, a driver with Metro Cab on the other hand said that he doubted many drivers would show up.
“This will have no effect on cab passengers,” said Fulkerson. “The rest of the drivers will be working their regular shift and enjoying the extra business.”
The SFMTA, which regulates cab operations in The City, also expressed their doubts.
“We do not believe Mr. Mehmood’s comments are representative of most San Francisco taxi drivers,” commented agency spokesman Paul Rose. “We feel that the vast majority of the drivers will continue to provide the service to the public.”
It will all come down to whether or not drivers will be able to band together and fight as one for real change or if they will just get back in their cabs and accept the new policies.
As always, stay tuned to Credit Cards Professor for more news and updates.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
