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Outline of UTW’s Proposal to the MTA
1. Keep the core principles of Proposition K of 1978 intact.
a. Medallions will remain non-transferable.
b. Medallions will remain in the hands of working drivers.
2. Create a Taxi Driver Fund to provide benefits to all drivers.
a. Qualified medallion holders will be able to retire at the end of their careers and will receive a monthly income in exchange for the return of the medallion. The benefit would be paid for by contributions from all medallion holders.
b. Qualified non-medallion holders will receive assistance toward retirement paid for through contributions from the industry and/or the public.
c. The fund could provide other benefits, such as disability assistance and health care, upon approval by the MTA.
3. Approve additional measures to reduce the wait for a medallion.
a. Require retiring medallion holders to return their medallions for reissuance when they stop driving, in exchange for the retirement benefit to be provided.
b. Increase the number of hours/shifts required annually of applicants in order to qualify for a medallion.
c. Institute more stringent testing of applicants, including an examination prior to signing onto the list.
d. Increase enforcement against violators of the driving requirement and establish new methods to prevent violations.
4. Allocate defined industry contributions to the SFMTA for specified purposes.
a. Contributions will go towards:
i. Industry regulation.
ii. Enforcement against illegal providers of taxi services.
iii. Support for the paratransit program.
b. Payments will be financed by contributions from the industry and/or the public, in a manner to be determined. Possible sources of financing include a rental fee on the use of medallions and an allocation of a portion of the revenues gained through a meter increase.
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