In Seattle and King County, an undemocratic decision has left us at a critical transportation crossroads. The Seattle FAS department, without the input or opinions of drivers, companies, or public consumers, decided to permanently retire nearly half of the 1,500 taxi and for-hire cab medallions that once served our community. This has effectively removed 660 of those essential taxi services from our streets, at a time when affordable transportation options are more crucial than ever.

With Seattle and King County's ever-expanding population and urban sprawl, the reduction of taxi services has severely affected residents relying on these services for daily commutes, healthcare appointments, and other essential trips. It's quite perplexing how, under these circumstances, Uber and Lyft can increase their fleet without restrictions while our traditional taxi services languish under outdated and unilateral decisions.

The refusal to release the retired medallions to interested drivers and companies symbolizes a deeper problem. It denies many around 660 individuals and small businesses the opportunity to return to work, supporting not just their livelihoods but the broader community that relies on their services. These medallions, once the backbone of Seattle's transportation infrastructure, have been rendered intangible property controlled solely by city or county authorities, instead of allowing drivers and operators ownership rights.

Our petition proposes two actionable solutions:

1. **Reinstate all retired taxi cab medallions** in Seattle and King County. By doing this, we provide an immediate increase in affordable transportation options for residents and tourists alike.

2. **Transform the ownership of these medallions to real private property**. This would empower the individual drivers and company operators by granting them the ownership rights to the medallions they use, instead of the current leasing model that keeps control with the government. Putting ownership in the hands of those who directly serve the public ensures better service, better working conditions for drivers, and more commitment from all parties involved.

Let us advocate for a fair and balanced transportation ecosystem where taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts can coexist and thrive, enhancing mobility options for every resident of Seattle and King County.

Please join us in urging the Seattle FAS department to reconsider their decision and adopt policies that are representative of the needs and voices of our community. Sign this petition to bring back the medallions, jobs, and essential taxi services that are vital to our everyday lives.