Johana Bhuiyan: Scooter startup snubs San Francisco's poorest neighborhood despite promising access

SAN FRANCISCO - Like 11 other dockless e-scooter companies, Scoot Networks was eager to obtain a coveted permit to do business in San Francisco.

In its application, the start-up promised it would "serve more of San Francisco than other operators who will focus on the busiest and most lucrative neighborhoods."

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which judged companies in part on their "approach to providing service to low-income residents," deemed Scoot worthy of one of the two slots in its pilot program, calling it "a safe, equitable and accountable scooter share service."

But that doesn't mean San Franciscans can rent Scoot rides in all parts of San Francisco. The company