Tag Archives: econ

My taxi earnings begin to increase. Is it temporary?

December and January were tough months. Holidays meant many people left the City. There was very little tourism and few, if any, special events that draw large numbers into the City. This weekend and last weekend produced relatively high earning … Continue reading

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When I get mad about employers screwing me over, I think of Robert Reich and then direct that anger at the government. You can too! Here’s how.

When I drive an 11 hour shift and make only fifty or sixty bucks I feel pretty sour. This doesn’t happen often. But, it does happen a few times a month during this time of year when demand for cabs … Continue reading

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The City needs congestion pricing.

(Photo Credit) On a recent episode of KQED’s Forum, Dave Iverson discusses the possibility of congestion pricing in the City with two main guests: Ken Cleaveland, director of government and public affairs with the Building Owners and Managers Association and … Continue reading

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Dear Chronicle: Exodus of low-income City residents caused by rent control, not SOMA development.

This Chronicle article misses the mark. It gives a strong impression that development South of Market represents the reason San Francisco has become unaffordable for low income City residents. I paraphrase the introduction of the article: “Our City is changing. … Continue reading

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Illegal taxis suck, but they’re a symptom of insufficient supply, not lax enforcement.

A fellow SF taxi driver and blogger, the same guy or gal that posted a great map of where to find a cab in the City, posted a few pictures of a taxi operating illegally in the City during his … Continue reading

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Transit fun fact: Fillmore Street developed as a commercial zone because of the 1906 quake.

(Photo Credit) Here’s another cool factoid from the amazing (out-of-print) book on the history of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. We know Upper Fillmore Street today as a bustling commercial district with high-end shops and restaurants married closely with its … Continue reading

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Reason #4395 to love Starbucks: They’re open on Christmas day.

Starbucks haters, feast on this: Starbucks slaves its poor employees on the day we celebrate our good Lord’s birth. How can they be such careless, soulless, evil human beings as to force poor hourly employees to brew coffee instead of … Continue reading

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Crazy Idea: What if City cabs had variable pricing?

What if each City cab were to have a bright green light which, when lit, indicates fares are half of the normal price? During off-peak times I can cruise for nearly as long as an hour without a fare. When … Continue reading

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Is Fair Trade coffee really ‘fair’?

Is Fair Trade coffee really ‘fair’? The short answer: no. EconTalk’s Russ Roberts chats with Duke Econ Prof Michael Munger about the concept of Fair Trade Coffee. It’s a very difficult challenge to ensure that a consumer price increase correlates … Continue reading

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Tourists hibernate for winter. My earnings decrease.

Tourism is San Francisco’s top industry by revenue. San Francisco is the 3rd most popular destination for overseas tourists. (1) (2) During the summer at least a quarter of all of my fares were tourists. Sometimes these visitors are aggravating … Continue reading

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