Sponsored link
Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Sponsored link

City Beat: $1 billion fine for Google?

 

I’ve always thought San Francisco could use a Displacement and Neighborhood Impact Agency. I’ve argued that every major development, tax break, etc. should require not just an Environmental Impact Report but a Displacement Impact Report: How many San Franciscans will lose their homes, and how many nonprofits and small businesses will be forced out by the project? That way we could look at the tradeoffs: Is the Twitter tax break worth a few hundred evictions and commercial displacements?

So now, at least on the web, we have one. And the folks who have created it estimate that the fines Google and the other companies with private buses don’t pay for stopping in Muni bus stops (at $271 a pop for ordinary folks) are equal to $1 billon: There are more than 200 Muni stops that get used a total of 7,100 times a day. Add that up over two years (2011-2013) and you get a lot of cash. (more after the jump)

Marke B.
Marke B.
Marke Bieschke is the publisher and arts and culture editor of 48 Hills. He co-owns the Stud bar in SoMa. Reach him at marke (at) 48hills.org, follow @supermarke on Twitter.

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Latest

Supes reject PG&E’s latest attempt to delay public power—but where is Lurie?

The mayor will soon name a PUC general manager, who will need to stand up to PG&E. The future of clean, cheap municipal power hangs in the balance

Live Shots: El Trí brought glittering rock en español power to San Jose

Mexico City rockeros delivered on a 50-year legacy of rebellious chords.

We need sponsors for our big Gala! Help us survive for another year

Sponsor our annual celebration on October 27 and help us keep local news independent and human-driven!

Gaza’s MC Abdul on life in the Bay—and a debut album that maps his journey

18-year-old Palestinian rapper learned English listening to Tupac. Now he's dropping 'Day by Day, Shway Shway' on SF's EMPIRE label

You might also likeRELATED