Ride-Hailing Companies Agree to Tax in San Francisco

Essentially, Uber and Lyft chose a tax on rides instead of a gross-receipts tax.

1 minute read

August 13, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


City by the Bay

mandritoiu / Shutterstock

"San Francisco lawmakers want to tax Uber and Lyft rides, and both companies say that’s OK with them," reports Carolyn Said.

"The proposed tax, which applies only to trips that originate in San Francisco, would levy a 3.25 percent tax on net rider fares for single-party trips and 1.5 percent on shared rides," according to Said.

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority will be responsible for spending the $30 million in expected revenue generated by the new tax on transit projects, if the State Legislature grants San Francisco powers to tax ride-hailing trips.

The ride tax eliminates the need for a ballot initiative planned for November "that would have asked voters to tax ride-hailing companies’ gross receipts at rates up to 0.975 percent." Rachel Swan reported in more detail on that proposal by Supervisor Aaron Peskin in April 2018.

The potential for a political fight over the gross-receipts tax paved the way for the new tax on rides, according to Said.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog