San Francisco Seniors Protest Tech Commuters Over Rising Evictions
Fee Hike Fails to Address Growing Housing Crisis
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has increased fees for private tech commuter buses from \(1 to \)3.55 per stop, citing the need to cover operational costs due to lower-than-expected usage. However, this move has done little to appease activist groups demanding a complete ban on these shuttles using public Muni stops.
Seniors and Disabled Residents Bear the Brunt
Multiple advocacy organizations, including:
- Senior and Disability Action
- Grey Panthers
- Eviction Free San Francisco
- San Francisco Tenants Union
recently staged a protest at 24th and Mission, highlighting how tech buses contribute to skyrocketing rents that displace vulnerable populations. Protesters even temporarily blocked unmarked buses transporting tech workers to Silicon Valley.
Startling Data on Eviction Patterns
According to the Anti-Eviction Mapping Project:
- 69% of no-fault evictions occurred within four blocks of tech bus stops (last 3 years)
- Rents increased by 20%+ near private shuttle stops
While San Francisco’s rent control limits increases to ~1% annually for existing tenants, these protections don’t apply to new leases - creating an impossible housing market for displaced seniors and disabled residents.
The Human Cost: Mary Elizabeth Phillips’ Story
The face of this crisis is 98-year-old Mary Elizabeth Phillips, who narrowly avoided eviction through the controversial Ellis Act. This California law allows landlords to exit the rental business, often displacing vulnerable tenants. Disturbingly:
- 72% of 2012 Ellis Act evictions affected seniors/disabled individuals
- Phillips’ caretaker now faces eviction, threatening the centenarian’s ability to remain independent
Official Response from SFMTA
Kristen Holland, SFMTA spokesperson, stated:
“The Commuter Shuttles Policy and Pilot Program aims to minimize shuttle impacts on San Francisco’s transportation system while supporting beneficial operations. While some engage in broader policy discussions about tech shuttles, our focus remains on improving city transportation management.”
A City Losing Its Soul?
Patricia Kerman, a senior facing eviction near 20th and Folsom, poignantly remarked:
“What’s happening to seniors, the disabled, and other displaced residents is immoral and criminal. This isn’t the city I knew and came to love.”
Note: This article focuses on the socioeconomic impacts of tech industry growth in San Francisco, not endorsing any particular policy solution.
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