It's not "sympathy" for medallion holders, but the fact that those holders have considerable political sway. Anything too dramatic, too abrupt will be staunchly

It's not "sympathy" for medallion holders, but the fact that those holders have considerable political sway. Anything too dramatic, too abrupt will be staunchly opposed. A more gradual phasing out helps to ease the pressure on this system and move to a more market-driven approach.