Implementing our "Transit First" philosphy as a City

By Gavin Newsom

I am working with DPT and the Mayor on legislation changing the law increasing fines to $100 dollars for double parking violations and increasing fines of yellow-zone violations.

I served as Co-chair to the Mayor's Taxi Task Force, which recognized taxis as a vital addition to our transportation system. For nearly a year, we deliberated the complex issues of the industry, resulting in the release of a final report filled with recommendations to reform and improve the industry. I believe that a more reliable taxi service will promote greater ridership and dependence on this service instead of private automobiles.

I am extremely excited about the Task Force recommendation to investigate alternative transportation vehicles. My office has been regularly meeting with and coordinating a working group developing the plan to place these vehicles into service. We were instrumental in pursuit of grant funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District which has given high ranking to the City's proposal to fund a large portion of the incremental costs of up to 30 CNG vehicles for use as taxis. Further, I sponsored legislation urging the Police Commission to reserve a portion of any newly issued medallions for CNG vehicles and urging the Police Taxi Detail to make certain concessions for the length of allowable life of these vehicles within the revised Police Chief's Rules. I worked with Ford in bringing two CNG vehicles to San Francisco for a demonstration project and met with the Airport to encourage front of the line privileges for these vehicles once per shift during this 90-day demonstration project to compensate for time lost in fueling. I am an advocate for more CNG fuel stations – currently, only one is operational. Finally, I have asked the City Attorney's Office to draft legislation giving a 50% discount in permit fees for taxi medallions used in Compressed Natural Gas vehicles.

I have also sponsored a number of measures in support of bicycles, including: opposing a toll for bikes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge; urging Dept. of Parking and Traffic to institute a free/community bicycle program; urging installation of bicycle racks near parks and large recreation centers; and urging a three site pilot project for traffic calming.

I have worked to improve MUNI from both a Customer Service and a quality of service standpoint. Notably, as a member of the Finance Committee, I was instrumental in passage of full funding for MUNI – otherwise known as a "No excuses budget." This included funding for expansion of customer service. Second, on the theory that greater customer service will promote ridership, I have been at the forefront, sponsoring legislation which asks MUNI to perform regular surveying of MUNI customers; and personalizes MUNI by having drivers carry business cards. Further, I helped to expand the MUNI Ambassador Program by instituting use of the CD ROM Customer Service program which includes sensitivity training for the disabled. Please ask for a copy of our comprehensive MUNI Customer Service report which was extensively researched with a review of other city systems.

I have been able to expand upon carpooling options by being the chief proponent of a permanent casual carpooling site in San Francisco. Besides ensuring the signage, publicity, and continuation of this site, which began as a temporary site in response to the BART strike, I was able to secure lighting so that car-poolers would not lose interest in the site over the winter months.

I urged the Airport Commission to investigate expanding ferry service between the airport and the North Bay – a study that the Airport bootstrapped to another study it was performing. I will continue my efforts in this direction because an improved ferry service between SFO and the North Bay will reduce traffic entering the City across the Golden Gate Bridge.

I will continue to be an advocate for all alternative forms of transportation, including ferries, MUNI, bicycling, and carpooling.