San Francisco transit aims to snuff out private rival

Times 247 ^ | November 2, 2012 | Katherine Timpf

[lward99]

On a typical work day in San Francisco, at least 27 private employers are picking up workers in shuttle buses — complete with cushioned seats and WiFi — at more than 200 stops across the city. The transit option is a booming private enterprise that reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.

Some in the city want to snuff it out, San Francisco-style, with government regulations and fees.

San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos wants to eliminate the cushy private shuttles and charge employers to use the Municipal Transit Agency's spartan buses, according to the San Francisco Examiner.

“Their rapid growth makes it clear that we need sensible city policy to prevent this from growing into an unregulated Wild West era of shuttles competing with Muni for curb space," said Mr. Avalos.

In other words, the private sector is too successful. It made the fatal mistake of outshining the master. In this case, the master is city government; and, in San Francisco, that is one powerful master indeed.

[lward99]

This article exposes San Francisco's plot to take down the area's booming private shuttle business with regulations and fees.

[GraceG]

Never out compete the Government it will get you a suicide with multiple gun shot wounds...

[null and void]

...if you are lucky.

Otherwise it’s death by a million torts...

[onedoug]

The left can’t stand anything that actually works, and hates Liberty most of all.

[Oldexpat]

This is a private idea that really works so govt must interfere. Overseas we had several buses from different points in the city to our plant about 10k outside. It was the only way to get all the workers there on time. It worked very well..point to point rather than govt routes.

[Fiji Hill]

A private transit system is being set up in of all places, Frisco? It’s snowing in hell!

[Excellence]

Years and years ago, I saw a news report about a white collar executive realizing his fantasy by buying a Greyhound-sized bus that he drove himself to pick up and deliver his fellow employees. The city of Los Angeles proclaimed a day in his honor. Of course he was shut down because he didn't have some permit or another.
I loved the shot of his wingtip banker shoes on the gas pedal of that behemoth bus. Damned government.

[PapaBear3625]

The important, unmentioned aspect here is that the private buses reduce the need for UNIONIZED city bus drivers. THAT is the big, intolerable aspect here.

[ridesthemiles]

Note to SF employers:

Lots of room for you here in Nevada. NO corp income taxes or personal income taxes.

LEAVE your LIBERAL ideas behind & you will find clean air & cheaper facilities here.

Contact Lance Gilman at Tahoe/Reno Industrial Park, just off I-80, just east of Reno.

I have absolutely no connection to Gilman. I am just willing to gig San Francisco.

[bert]

The stain and the stench can not be removed from San Francisco types. They should not be welcome anywhere