Bus Riders Union

Join us on April 20th for BRU Monthly Membership Meeting!

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:41:01 -0700

Join us for our Monthly Membership Meeting.

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The Life of Hugo Chavez and the death of the LA Mayoral Elections

Eric Mann — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:06:41 -0800

Yesterday, in between yawns and "oh, was there some kind of election in the news that I missed?" 8 candidates ran in the "fight for the soul-less city" mayor race. Meanwhile, on the same day, in Venezuela, a true champion of the people, the amazing Hugo Chavez, died. FIGHT FOR THE SOUL OF THE CITIES OFFERS OUR BEST HOPE

On March 5th Vote No on LA's Measure A

Eric Romann — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:28:13 -0800

On March 5th, LA voters are being asked to pay another regressive sales tax, Measure A, which will generate another $215 million to cover the city's budget deficit

Strategy Center screens film:Long Distance Revolutionary; A Journey with Mumia

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:38:23 -0800

The Bus Riders Union and the Community Rights Campaign were able to see an early screening of the new documentary about Mumia Abu-Jamal, an American political prisoner currently serving a life sentence for an alleged murder of a Philadelphia police officer. Incarcerated since 1981, in a trial that was plagued with blatant judicial disregard, Mumia was originally sentenced to death and that was successfully appealed in 2011 and commuted to a life sentence.

LCSC, BRU and CRC Fight for the Soul of the City

Eric Romann — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:22:27 -0800

Leaders and organizers from the Labor Community Strategy Center, the Bus Riders Union, and the Community Rights Campaign reached out to the 2013 Los Angeles mayoral candidates. The letter outlines a series of priorites for the next mayor and urges the candidates to adopt our Fight for the Soul of the City proposal.

Bus Riders Union welcomes the 2013 Planning Committee

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:45:08 -0800

On January 19th, at the Bus Riders Union monthly meeting, an election was held to see which members would serve as part of the 2013 Planning Committee.

Bus Riders Union: Meet the nominees for the 2013 Planning Committee!

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:38:02 -0800

It is January, which means that after two months of nominations, it is time to elect the 2013 Bus Riders Union Planning Committee. Made up of 5 volunteer members and 4 staff members, the Planning Committee (PC) is the decision making body for the Bus Riders Union. An introduction to the 10 volunteer members running for PC this year.

Transportation sales tax bid backed by Mayor Villaraigosa and MTA defeated by grassroots coalition

Eric Romann — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:54:36 -0800

The bid by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to extend an existing transportation sales tax until 2069 failed to meet the necessary 2/3 threshold, delivering a setback to the Mayor's gentrifying and polluting vision for transportation expansion

LA Daily News Opinion: Measure J equals gentrification, racism and pollution with public funds

Sunyoung Yang — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:47:25 -0800

The MTA claims that Measure J will help the environment. But did you know that the MTA has made a deal with the devil, that at least 20 percent of the Measure J funds will go to freeway expansion? How in the world can we combat greenhouse gases and air toxins by expanding the freeways again and again? When will we restrict auto use? But what if the MTA is really a rail construction agency?

LA Metro's rail expansion plan under Measure J and R can lead to less transit ridership

Sunyoung Yang — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:00:32 -0800

LA Metro's rail expansion plan under Measure J and R can lead to less transit ridership with continued hikes in fares and bus service cuts. As voters are asked once again tomorrow to extend a regressive sales tax measure funneling another $90 billion, will LA Metro's rail expansion plan deliver skyrocketing transit ridership for the region and reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution as touted by it's proponents? Our answer is "no" based on history and experience of the last 20 years of rail experiment.

No On Measure J with Sunyoung Yang and Barbara Lott-Holland

Eric Mann — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:21:43 -0700

If Measure J passes, the MTA will get tens of billions of dollars to spend in the near future, but borrowed against a 30-year extension of a one-half cent sales tax in LA County from 2039 to 2069.

Atlantic Cities:Does your city need a Transit Riders Union?

Eric Romann — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:33:14 -0700

Emily Badger of Atlantic Cities examines the growing trend of transit unions, starting with the model of the Los Angeles Bus Riders Union. She also examines how the changing economic landscape and the subsequent dismantling of support for transit has driven communities to organize.

Alternet:Transit Justice Providing Service and Shipping out Greenhouse Gases

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:20:33 -0700

Alternet takes a look at the Bus Riders Union as part of the series, Facing the Climate Gap , which looks at grassroots efforts in California low-income communities of color to address climate change and promote climate justice.

Bus Riders Union announces new coalition against MTA’s blank check sales tax Measure J

Eric Romann — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:44:15 -0700

The Bus Riders Union joined forces with community leaders from the Crenshaw district, Beverly Hills, East Los Angeles, Northeast LA, and the San Gabriel Valley to stop Measure J!

Media reacts as No On Measure J coalition hits the streets

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:36:12 -0700

Media takes notice as a diverse coalition group gathered on the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson to announce our opposition to Measure J.

BRU and Community Leaders meet to Stop Measure J!

Eric Romann — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:45:26 -0700

On October 9th, Bus Riders Union organizers attended a meeting that gathered community leaders from all over Los Angeles to oppose the passage of Measure J.

"No on Measure J!" Some facts about the MTA's extension of the Corporate Welfare tax

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:18:30 -0700

In November, LA County MTA will ask voters to tax themselves again with a proposal to extend a 1/2 cent sales tax until 2069. In 2009, they raised the sales tax with big promises to improve transit, but in fact what they gave bus riders was a hefty fare increase and major cuts in our bus service.

Is Just Growth Smarter Growth?

Eric Romann — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:54:24 -0700

Updated! LAT: Marchers demand more community say in Metro development plans

Eric Romann — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:29:00 -0700

Challenging how rail expansion is used to displace and gentrify our neighborhoods, the Bus Riders union marched with the Right to the City Coalition to call for return of the land to the control of the community.

Send an Email to President Obama asking: Mr President, Restore, Enforce Expand our Civil Rights!

Sunyoung Yang — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:49:38 -0700

We want to send a message to the President asking him to intervene and send a strong message to LA Metro and all federally funded agencies about the importance of Civil Rights. We are gathering with Bus Riders Union friends and allies all over the country to send an email to President Obama. He needs to hear from you.

Ok, ya le Pidió al Presidente Obama, ahora MUESTRELE….

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:42:17 -0700

Ok, ya lepidió al Presidente Obama, ahora MUESTRELE....

Hundreds rally as BRU & regional coalition launch “Mr. President, Enforce, Restore, Expand Our Civil Rights!" campaign

Sunyoung Yang — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:04:42 -0700

Joined by 30 organizations from across LA, the BRU launched a national campaign with a rally calling on President Obama to enforce civil rights law and order the restoration of one million hours of bus service in LA. The campaign's public challenge to Obama and Mayor Villaraigosa was to side with a pro-civil rights, working class, environmental justice, bus-centered transit vision over a corporatist, gentrifying rail-centered vision of LA.

LA Times and National Journal: Bus Riders Union calls on Obama to restore service hours in LA

Crystal McMillan — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:47:29 -0700

LA Times story leads wide media coverage of the July 25 launch rally for the BRU's "Mr. President, Enforce, Restore, Expand Our Civil Rights" campaign. Media recap here.

Join us at LA City Hall rally to launch national campaign: Mr President, Enforce, Restore, Expand Our Civil Rights!

Eric Romann — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:23:01 -0700

In the tradition of Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders, LA's buses are once again a frontline battleground for the future of civil rights. On July 25, 11am at City Hall, the Bus Riders Union is launching a national campaign calling on President Obama to stand for the civil rights of Black and Latino transit riders in Los Angeles by restoring one million hours of bus service in LA and restoring the public's right to sue for civil rights.

UPDATED! FTA ruling is out on LA Metro civil rights violations--we're calling on Obama to intervene, reverse MTA service cuts

Eric Romann — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:08:28 -0700

The Bus Riders Union and civil rights groups on Tuesday held a press conference to sharply denounce the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) failure to find Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) in violation of federal civil rights laws, and failure to restore 1 million hours of previously cut service. Despite overwhelming evidence showing that the agency knowingly discriminated against bus riders of color when approving the elimination of nearly one million hours of bus service between 2007 and 2011, the FTA issued a ruling with stern words but no remedies. Transit riders are urging President Obama to intervene, calling it a test of his administration's commitment to civil rights.

Urgent Action: Tell FTA not to backpedal on civil rights!

Eric Romann — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:40:06 -0700

Please click here to send an email today to FTA Chief Peter Rogoff urging his agency not to backpedal on civil rights. The Bus Riders Union learned yesterday that the Federal Transit Administration appears poised to play along with Metro’s effort to whitewash the evidence of racial discrimination in years of bus service cuts. We must send a strong message to FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff that those who stand for civil rights around the country won’t stand for this.

BRU reaches goal for April 3rd National Day of Action!

Gabriel Strachota — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:37:49 -0700

Yesterday, April 3rd we reached our one day goal of generating 500 emails to the Federal Transit Administration. The emails called on FTA to ensure the restoration of 1 million hours of bus service stolen by the Los Angeles Metro. We still need your help to keep the pressure on!

National Day of Action: Send an email to FTA today for transit civil rights in Los Angeles

Eric Romann — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:22:33 -0700

Restore Our Civil Rights, Restore Our 1 Million of Hours of Bus Service! Please click here to send an email today to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to mandate LA Metro to restore one million hours of bus service and rectify the civil rights violations found in the FTA review. We're aiming for FTA to receive at least 500 emails from supporters in one day - today!

LAT: MTA targets bus line serving Westside workers who live in South L.A

Eric Romann — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:49:16 -0800

MTA is once again on track to eliminate bus service on 9 bus lines and cut service to 11 others. The February 27 Los Angeles Times article focused on the impact these cuts will have on South LA residents who use the 305 bus line to travel to jobs, health appointments and school on the Westside.

2012 Planning Committee Elections are here

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:42:48 -0800

After two months of nominations it's now time for the 2012 BRU/SDP planning committee elections. There are 11 candidates running for election, 5 of whom will be elected. Learn about the candidates here. BRU/SDP members this is your chance to decide who should lead the BRU/SDP in 2012!

BRU and Coalition put LA Metro's back against the wall

Eric Romann — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:05:56 -0800

The Bus Riders Union and a broad coalition of allies put Metro's backs up against the wall today in the first Metro Board meeting since the release of the scathing federal civil rights audit earlier this week. The Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) report calls into question the legitimacy and legality of policies that punished 100,000's of low-income bus riders and bus riders of color with repeated cuts in bus service and fare increases.

Unprecedented Findings of Civil Rights Violations in Federal Audit of Los Angeles Metro

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:20:44 -0800

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has found unprecedented levels of racially discriminatory impacts in its civil rights audit of Los Angeles Metro, the second largest transit agency in the country. These findings represent the most serious civil rights compliance deficiencies by an agency in at least a decade. By finding Metro "deficient" in 5 of 12 civil rights categories, FTA went beyond its more typical findings of procedural 'deficiencies' to also find that Metro ignored evidence that its transit service cuts had a discriminatory impact on riders of color.

Report: Climate Justice from South Africa to LA City Hall

Eric Romann — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:40:24 -0800

Joining forces with Communities for a Better Environment, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, and Physicians for Social Responsibility-LA, the BRU marched to demand the Mayor and the MTA "Expanding the bus system, not the 710 freeway. Meanwhile, BRU organizer Francisca Porchas is representing Grassroots Global Justice Alliance and Transit Riders for Public Transportation in Durban, building our connections with the international climate justice movement.

Coalition letter to LA Mayor & MTA on Climate Justice: Expand the Bus System, not the I-710 Freeway

Eric Romann — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:11:43 -0800

The BRU, Communities for a Better Environment, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, and Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles have sent this letter to Mayor Villaraigosa and the Board of Directors of MTA calling for swift action on climate change. We demand restoration and expansion of bus service and a halt to the multi-billion dollar expansion of the I-710 freeway as two immediate actions that would benefit the health and well-being of LA's low income communities of color while reducing LA's carbon footprint.

All the rest have 31: How the MTA snuck another fare increase on us

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:47:36 -0800

In selling new bus passes that are only good for 30 days, instead of the old 31 days, MTA has once again limited our mobility and forced us to pay more for less."With this new policy I can no longer get my child to school on the last day of the month because MTA found a way to make low-income families pay them more money." A single mother speaks out on the impact of the new policy.

BRU in the news: 14 orgs give scathing indictment of MTA

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:07:01 -0700

Check out news coverage on the new report co-authored by the BRU and 14 other civil rights, labor, environmental, public health, and housing organizations from around los Angeles. The report Transit Civil Rights & Economic Survival in Los Angeles: A Case for Federal Intervention in LA Metro details the 4 year storm since the end of the consent decree. LA Opinión, LA Weekly, and Streets Blog report.

In new report, coalition indicts LA County MTA civil rights practices, calls for strong federal intervention

Eric Romann — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:37:09 -0700

Civil rights, labor, environmental, public health, and housing organizations argue bus service and fare increases result in civil rights harms for transit-dependent people and obstruct economic recovery for low-income transit-dependent Angelenos.

Transit Civil Rights and Economic Survival in Los Angeles

Eric Romann — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:35:51 -0700

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Tea Time with the Bus Riders Union

Sunyoung Yang — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:24:11 -0700

On Tuesday, October 11th, the Bus Riders Union held its first Tea Time with Korean elders in two years. Eleven Korean bus riders attended the Tea Time to listen to a presentation that provided historical and political context around the Bus Riders Union, and the environmental justice campaign, Clean Air, Clean Lungs, Clean Buses

Transit Day of Action makes national news

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:09:01 -0700

On Tuesday, September 20th the Bus Riders Union and Transit Riders for Public Transportation, joined with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to send a call to local allies and advocates in 13 cities around the country. Together we sent a message to President Obama and Congress, that protecting the funding for public transportation should be a national priority.

Bus Riders Union joins advocates across the country in National Day of Action

Francisca Porchas — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:12:35 -0700

On Tuesday, September 20th the Bus Riders Union joined in the APTA National Day of Action to urge President Obama and Congress to protect funding for transit. Joined by transit riders, transit and environmental advocates, and community organizations, the BRU, using the slogan "Put Yourself in our Shoes!" gathered on the corner of Wilshire and Vermont.

Capacity crowd, expert panel unmask transit crisis at Town Hall

Eric Romann — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:03:09 -0700

With a federal review of MTA's civil rights record still in progress, a standing room only-crowd of over 200 and an all-star panel exposed LA MTA's civil rights crisis at the Transit Justice Town Hall meeting Saturday. Overo 100 bus riders people gave three hours of testimony on the harms caused by deep cuts in bus service, inadequate bus service, increases in fares - all of which will be used for a report on the crisis to be released in September. The event was organized by the Bus Riders Union and sponsored by a city-wide multi-racial coalition of 35 organizations.

Transit Justice Town Hall Media Coverage

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:03:13 -0700

Saturday August 20th, the BRU and members of over 30 ally organizations packed Parish Hall at Immanuel Presbyterian Church with over 250 members and allies for our Transit Justice Town Hall! Over 100 people gave compelling testimony on the adverse and disparate impacts that the elimination of critical bus lifelines have had. The expert panel spoke amazingly of the intersections of race/the environment/gender/ public health and public transportation.

Transit Justice Town Hall this Saturday will put LA’s transit crisis in the spotlight

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:46:34 -0700

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Transit Justice Town Hall on MTA Cuts to Transit Lifelines—Coming Aug 20!

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:26:00 -0700

On August 20th, the Bus Riders Union will be hosting a Community Forum on Civil Rights and transit to access the real impacts of the MTA's bus service policy. The event will be held at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church at 3300 Wilshire, starting at 9:30 am.

Mayor Villaraigosa passes motion regarding bus service enhancements

Crystal McMillan — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:14:01 -0700

Today at the MTA board Mayor Villaragoisa and the MTA board passed a motion calling for a suspension of cuts in Tier 1 bus service and for a report on expanding Bus Rapid Transit improvements throughout the county.

New BRU report highlights LA Metro's transit civil rights crisis

Eric Romann — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:41:28 -0700

With the MTA subject of a civil rights compliance review by the Federal Transit Administrations, a new pamphlet report from the Bus Riders Union exposes the policy and human sides of the crisis created by MTA slashing bus service and raising fares.

Bus Riders Union featured in New York Times

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:01:39 -0700

On July 4th, the New York times ran an article highlighting the impacts of service cuts on daily riders. Using the Line 305 as a example, the article tells some of the stories of riders whose line is targeted for elimination.

Domestic workers, security guards and bus riders demand action from federal investigation.

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:55:38 -0700

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LA Times, KPCC, ABC, NBC & more: BRU victory on Wilshire bus lanes makes a media splash

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:39:20 -0700

After six years of campaigning, the Wilshire Boulevard Bus-Only Lanes project took an important step forward, with the Los Angeles City Council voting to approve the project and move it forward.

BRU and broad coalition of allies win major breakthrough on Wilshire Bus Lanes at Los Angeles City Council

Sunyoung Yang — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:32:07 -0700

After six years of campaigning, the BRU scored a major environmental victory today: the Wilshire Boulevard Bus-Only Lanes won the resounding approval from the LA City Council and cleared the last major political hurdle for it to become reality

Will full Bus-Only Lanes pass City Council tomorrow?

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:33:34 -0700

Tomorrow, our six-year campaign for Bus-Only Lanes on Wilshire Boulevard will finally face a vote at the Los Angeles City Council. We are close to sealing the deal on this important project, but not before overcoming continued efforts to cut down the project at the behest of wealthy West Side homeowner groups.

A strange day at City Council ends in a stalemate for the Wilshire BOL

Sunyoung Yang — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:01:34 -0700

With the battle lines drawn, the 5-member committee could not agree on any option and ended the meeting taking no action at all.

Call to Action: Wilshire Bus-Only Lanes at City Council Tomorrow!

Eric Romann — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:09:12 -0700

We need a strong showing from the broad coalition we have built for this project to come out tomorrow, Wednesday, June 8th at 2PM at the City Council Room 1010.

The Wilshire BOL advances one step forward

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:11:31 -0700

While the Bus Riders Union believes that the full 8.7 mile alternative is the best project and should be adopted by the city council, we see yesterday’s vote at the MTA board as a key advance in defeating the worst case alternative 5.4 mile option that the Brentwood homeowners have been pushing for and in moving the Wilshire Bus Only-Lanes project one step forward to reality.

Struggle against bus service cuts continues at April MTA Board meeting

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:01:48 -0700

Missed the April MTA board meeting? Get the update and watch the highlights on video here. Watch BRU member Crystal McMillan tell the board, "empty seats on a train to Antelope Valley don't replace lost buses in Koreatown!"

Pushing back against MTA Service Cuts

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:47:18 -0700

We've been gaining a lot of momentum pushing back against the MTA's staff claims that the 305,000 hours of service cuts that they have proposed for June 2011, are to address service duplications, and that these cuts will make the system more "efficient".

Keep all $24 million of the federal funding and all 9 miles of the Wilshire Bus Only Lanes!!

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:13:07 -0700

The fate of the Wilshire Bus-Only Lanes Project will be determined this May at the Los Angeles City Council and the Metro Board. We need you all to raise hell that LA should not compromise this decade long transportation project and the federal funding that w

Los Angeles Times Article - L.A. Public Transit Moves in Wrong Direction

Esperanza Martinez — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:31:52 -0700

LA Times columnist David Lazarus fights against bus cuts and advocates for designated bus lanes, commuter routes, and a commitment to public transit in order to ease street congestion.

BRU in the news: Media spotlights MTA decision on bus service cuts

Yuliya Aleshina — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:01:01 -0700

On Thursday, March 24th 2011, the MTA Board met to vote on the first part of the proposal to cut 600,000 hours of bus service. The meeting and its decision brought on a slew of press coverage.

La Opinión Editorial Slams MTA's Bus Service Cuts

Gabe Lewin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:43:39 -0700

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BRU in the news: Media spotlights Federal Probe of MTA

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:07:04 -0700

The BRU was in the news in the wake of Thursday's announcement of the Federal Transit Administration's upcoming investigation of the Los Angeles MTA. Los Angeles, along with Atlanta, Georgia will be investigated for compliance with Federal Civil Rights statutes.

Important Tactical Victory in the fight against Bus Service Cuts

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:27:50 -0700

When Univision reporter asked BRU Lead organizer Esperanza Martinez "So what are you protesting today?" Martinez responded, "Primarily we are here today not in protest, but to celebrate an important tactical victory in the fight against the MTA's proposed Bus Service Cuts. This signficant move was triggered by an administrative complaint submitted last fall by the BRU, LACAN, and KIWA to the Federal Transit Administration who will now be conducting a comprehensive on-site civil rights review of the MTA."

Press Release- BRU Complaint on Bus Service Cuts - Spurs Comprehensive Federal Civil Rights Review of the Los Angeles MTA

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:53:43 -0700

Breaking News - (Los Angeles, CA, March 14, 2011) - The Federal Transit Administration specified, in a letter in response to the Bus Riders Union (BRU) Administrative Complaint submitted in the fall of 2010, that it "plans on conducting an on-site compliance review of LA MTA this year. The decision to perform this compliance review was based, in part, on your (BRU) complaint submitted to the FTA Office of Civil Rights."

NEW BRU Street Theater Piece to Stop The Bus Service Cuts

Yuliya Aleshina — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:12:57 -0800

Today the BRU Street Theater presented a piece on the impacts of two sets of MTA Bus Service Cuts on bus riders. The piece 'Francisca y la muerte/Death Searching Francisca' invites you, the spectator to become an actor and call Sup. Mark-Ridley Thomas asking him to take a stand to stop the cuts. See video here and learn how to take action here

Mapping MTA's latest bus cuts proposal

Eric Romann — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:25:58 -0800

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New study finds MTA policies squeezing transit riders at both ends

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:08:27 -0800

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MTA - No Matter How You Spin it, You're Rolling Back Civil Rights

Esperanza Martinez — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:34:48 -0800

As MTA prepares to cut another set of over 300,000 hours of bus service, the Bus Riders Union has been on the offensive. Read on to see how despite how MTA slices it, their proposed service cuts and recent fare increases are rolling back Civil Rights!

LA Times Editorial Slams BOL westside exemption

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:40:51 -0800

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Every Bus Stop is a Protest: Stop the Bus Service Cuts Now!

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:26:44 -0800

Report on Feb. 1st All Region Hearing on the bus service cuts Let's be clear: the MTA has declared war on a half million Black, Brown, Asian and working class bus riders. Just one and a half months after this last round of devastating bus service cuts, the MTA has aimed their battle axe at another 27 lines- 11 being proposed for elimination and another 16 to be reduced...

Battle for full Bus-Only Lanes continues at City Hall

Gabriel Strachota — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:12:55 -0800

At today's City Council, the 6-year campaign for Wilshire Bus Only Lanes returned to City Hall. We made an excellent showing and came away with a mixed result...

Street Teatro - Star Wars ep I: The Westside Menace

Sunyoung Yang — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:25:20 -0800

Here's the press release for today's action, "Star Wars Episode I: The Westside Menace" where we re-cast the events surrounding the fate of the Wilshire Bus-Only Lane project to the theme of the forces of Good and Evil in the Star Wars universe. The Bus-Only Lanes Jedi Council, consisting of Bus Riders Union, environmentalists, transportation advocates, and students, held a press conference, action and street theatre this morning in front of the County Supervisors Building...

Is Your Bus Line on the chopping Block?

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:43:12 -0800

MTA is Proposing to Cut 13 Bus Lines & Reduce Weekend & Night Service on 16 others!

RECLAIM: OUR CITY, OUR HISTORY MARCH & CONCERT

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:48:47 -0800

Top 10 reasons to come out and support the BRU & LA Human Right to Housing Collective March & Concert on December 1st:

$70M Transit Breakthrough in Restoring Civil Rights Title VI

Francisca Porchas — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:20:11 -0800

In the first successful action of its kind in the nation, Bay Area members of Transit Riders for Public Transportation (TRPT), Public Advocates and Urban Habitat, filed a civil rights complaint to stop $70M in stimulus funds from being allocated to the $500-billion boondoggle rail project, the Oakland Airport Connector project (OAC).

Our letter to the MTA re: Subway to the Sea

Esperanza Martinez — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:40:37 -0700

Here is a letter that Barbara and I at the BRU sent to the MTA last week on October 19th. We sent this to MTA as part of the formal public comment process on the Westside Subway Extension. Also known as the "subway to the sea," Mayor Villaraigosa's pet boondoggle project could have a $9 billion price tag that could result in massive civil rights violations of bus riders in particular, the potential disparate impact on hundreds of thousands of low income people of color who ride the bus as the sole or primary means of transportation.

Oct Monthly Meeting report

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:19:40 -0700

Draft EIR Hearing: Fighting MTA's Subway to Sea Boondoggle

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:10:36 -0700

On Wednesday September 29th a band of BRU members entered the final Subway to the Sea Public hearing on the draft EIR and set the tone for the fight to come against MTA’s latest politically motivated boondoggle. This was less than week after they had witnessed the MTA vote to cute 388,000 hours of bus service...

Youth Blog Depot: A Call for Justice

Joanna Gaspar — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:00:55 -0700

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TEN Hosts "One Nation: Indivisible"

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:57:57 -0700

Transportation Equity Network (TEN) gathered members from all over the country for a Washington D.C. fly-in to advocate for flexible transit operations funding, job creation and the inclusion of civil rights in transportation policy. TEN's theme for the two day conference is that improvements to transit policy can be a unifying force for advocates, unions and policy makers.

Rolling back civil rights: Major MTA bus service cuts hit hard in South and Southeast LA

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:05:39 -0700

The MTA Board approved yesterday a package of bus service cuts that will be the biggest single reduction in bus service in Los Angeles County in more than 15 years. A total reduction of 387,000 bus service hours this year - 5% of the entire system - will include the elimination of 5 rapid lines 5 other local lines and partial elimination of service on other lines. What does this mean? It will mean longer waits, more overcrowding, and more transfers that will result in an added financial burden to already struggling bus riders.

Proposed Bus Line Elimination or Service Reduction - by region Los Angeles County MTA Proposal, August 2010

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:27:40 -0700

Proposed Bus Line Elimination or Service Reduction - by region
Los Angeles County MTA Proposal, August 2010

BRU and Community Allies Call For Rejection of MTA Layoffs

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:44:48 -0700

The Bus Riders Union (BRU) and community allies held a press conference at a LA Unemployment Office in conjunction with the Transportation Equity Network and labor and environmental leaders across the country to strongly urge the use of Federal Infrastructure spending to strengthen transit and create more jobs.

BRU to Congress, "Say No to 30/10 plan!"

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:12:21 -0700

30/10 will gut the bus system, the backbone of public transit in LA. Read the BRU's letter to congress memebers asking them for a no vote to reject Mayor Villaraigosa's 30/10 initiative.

On 20th anniversary of Metro Rail, BRU says “Enough of MTA’s Train Wreck”

Evyn Espiritu — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:05:22 -0700

Citing lower ridership and civil rights violations after 20 years and $8 billion spent on Metro Rail, the Bus Riders Union renews call for bus-centered, low-cost transit system in LA County.

News Coverage From July 1st Day of Action at Mayor's Mansion

April Wong — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:00:58 -0700

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Video from May 27th MTA Board Meeting

April Wong — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:41:14 -0700

The BRU's campaign to defeat MTA's racist fare increase reached a fever pitch on Thursday, May 27, when 150 BRU members and allies shut down the MTA Board.

Media Coverage--BRU Shuts Down MTA Board Meeting

Evyn Espiritu — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:27:21 -0700

According the the LA Times, "Demonstrators effectively shut down the meeting and interrupted a hearing involving the 710 before authorities ordered union members to clear the room." Glendale News Press and La Opinion also recognized the BRU. Pasadena Star News and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune ran the same story, which quoted...[Read on for links and more media]

Hunger Fast Showdown at MTA--Recap

Eric Romann — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:53:45 -0700

After months of campaigning and an intensive week of fasting and organizing at the Rosa Parks Tent City, 150 BRU members and allies shut down the MTA Board. We were left with no choice but to stop business as usual. We brought the MTA Board meeting to a halt for the better part of 4 hours. In the process, two of our organizers, Sunyoung Yang and Gabriel Strachota, were arrested in an act of civil disobedience. Here's a recap of the day...

Diarios from the Hunger Fast

Evyn Espiritu — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:32:32 -0700

The hunger fasters have been using their facebook page to blog, give live updates, and post pics and videos from each day's actions and happenings. After the first night at the Rosa Parks Tent City, Manuel Criollo, BRU member, testifies, "We greeted the morning with the help of a mexica indigenous saumadora with the sweet and earthy scent of copal. In an act of solidarity, Rosa Miranda, one of the BRU fasters for justice, goes to LA City Council to..."

Day 5 of the Hunger Fast for Justice

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:23:37 -0700

On the morning of Day 5 of the Hunger Fast for Justice the BRU was joined by guest speaker Dolores Huerta.

Profiles of the Fasters: Staci Williams & Rosa Miranda

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:12:15 -0700

Interviews with two of the BRU hunger fasters. Rosa Miranda, inmigrante mexicano, lives in Westlake, mother of 3, a bus rider. Staci Williams, unemployed, lives in South LA, mother of 2, a bus rider.

The BRU announces Hunger Fast for Justice to MTA Board

Crystal McMillan — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:33:40 -0700

On May 19th in front of the MTA Budget Committee, Esperanza Martinez, lead organizer for the Bus Riders Union, announced the beginning of the Hunger Fast for Justice. The Bus Riders Union, wanting to graphically illustrate the true cost of the MTA's fare increase will begin a hunger fast on May 20th.

LA Times, media breakthrough on fight to stop fare hikes

Daniel Kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:46:12 -0700

Yesterday on the front page of their local news section, the LA Times ran a strong story on our fight to stop MTA's racist fare hikes. We also saw excellent coverage in La Opinion, by radio and on television (so far we have confirmed coverage on Channel 7, NBC Channel 4). The Times article quoted BRU Co-Chair Barbara Lott-Holland and lead organizer Esperanza Martinez talking...

Advocates Testify on Housing Crisis to Special City Council Meeting

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:08:18 -0700

Housing and Civil Rights advocates gathered to attend a special meeting of the LA City Council for Housing, Community and Economic Development committee. Giving testimony in front of a panel chaired by Councilmember Herb Wesson, residents of public housing and renters from all over Los Angeles county gathered to address the housing crisis. Speakers covered the pending descruction of public housing and down sized workers unable to keep up with annual rent increases.

LA City Council Joins Call for Public Hearing on Fare Hike

Daniel Kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:22:23 -0700

Last Friday. we achieved a City Council resolution that urges a public hearing for the MTA fare hikes. Sunyoung put the gears in motion in the meeting she led with Councilmembers Rosendahl and La Bonge, both members of the council's Transportation Committee. The resolution acknowledges the economic hardship that...

Part 2: Are we still trying to change the world?

Manuel Criollo — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:41:53 -0700

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UPDATED In surprise move, Mayor reaches out to BRU for public hearing

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:00:21 -0700

UPDATE 4/22: On Thursday, April 15, Mayor Villaraigosa introduced Motion #49 to the MTA Board, with L.A. DOT General Manger Rita Robinson and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. The motion proposes an informational briefing to announce the fare increase and listen to “comments”; this is not a public hearing and not...

MTA let the people speak! Public Hearing NOW!!

Esperanza Martinez — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:41:26 -0700

The BRU rallies after our Press Conference at MTA Headquarters to demand a stop to MTA's racist fare increase. BRU calls public attention to MTA's staff attempt to silence the public by denying them their rightful opportunity to speak on the impacts that another fare increase will have on the lives of half a million Black, Latino and Asian working class bus riders!

Interview: Being New on the BRU Planning Committee

Daniel Kim — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:21:12 -0800

Two new members were elected for their first time to the Planning Committee this year. I asked them about their impressions of their first month. What was it like at your first meeting? What surprised you? How has your perspective on our work changed?

Statewide Transit Justice Organizing Update

Esperanza Martinez — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:42:53 -0800

Earlier this month, more than 40 people, representing 16 organizations from across the state, piled into an AC Transit Bus and rode to Sacramento to demand that our Legislators stop the fare hikes, service cuts, and layoffs that have been devastating California transit operators and their riders.

2010 BRU Planning Committee: Candidate Speeches

Gabriel Strachota — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:07:57 -0800

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The Bus Riders Union is ready for 2010

Esperanza Martinez — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:55:21 -0800

As all good organizers do, we begin the year looking back to the lessons and breakthroughs of 2009 that will inform the character of the work of the Bus Riders Union in 2010. The year presented many challenges for the BRU in securing the 20% of Measure R funds that were promised for bus system improvements. We knew we would have to fight to ensure those funds be used for the much needed expansion of LA's bus system and its primarily working-class, immigrant, Black, Asian and Latina/o riders.

Perspectives do change

Bryan Mauricio — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:26:46 -0800

18 year-old BRU Bryan Mauricio member blogs on his experience in transformative organizing.

Rooted in Struggle: Remembering the Past and Looking Towards the Future

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:09:45 -0800

BRU member Crystal McMillan reports on BRU's commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts."To use the example of the Boycott, we have to move forward with determination and we have to harness the will of the people. We will come together to stop the 2010 fare increase. We will use the Clean Air and Economic Justice plan to gain true mobility and a healthy environment. We will build an empowered and creative movement that can shape the Long Range Transportation Plan into a document that doesn't use fare increases and service cuts to fund our transit system."

Re-Envision Urban Transit with the Bus Riders Union

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:17:05 -0800

On Thursday November 19th, the Transit Riders for Public Transportation Campaign and the Bus Riders Union hosted a transportation briefing event, "Re-Envision Urban Transit: Los Angeles and Beyond."

How Bus-Centered Transit Works in Bogotá

Sunyoung Yang — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:04:55 -0800

There is an excellent 7-minute film that travels to Bogotá, Colombia to show you how the city runs a bus-centered transit system that is modern, inexpensive and efficiently moves 1.3 million people a day, integrating bicycles and auto free zones--and all without relying on rail or subways.

Are we still trying to change the world?

Manuel Criollo — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:50:09 -0800

I don't normally write to newspaper columnists but, over the past few weeks, Bob Herbert at the New York Times has been writing some really sharp OpEd columns that have caught my attention. What hooked me was a column where he put his finger on a question that's been bothering many of us: where is the anger, the outrage, the action? where is the hope for changing the world?

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas: The Future of Transportation in Los Angeles

Damon Azali-Rojas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:14:23 -0700

The LA County Supervisor from South Los Angeles discusses MTA's recently passed Long Range Transportation Plan, what he's done and will do to protect funding for the bus system, and what transit equity in LA looks like over the next 30 years.

Esperanza Martinez & Bob Allen: Transportation, Civil Rights, and Environmental Justice in California

Damon Azali-Rojas — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:48:40 -0800

Two organizers on the ground in the fight for civil rights in transportatinon break down the challenges and opportunities for transit-dependent low income people and people of color in LA and the Bay Area.

BRU Wins Policy Breakthrough by Securing the 20% of Measure R Bus Improvement funds | October 22, 2009

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:41:06 -0700

BRU wins two major policy breakthroughs to protect bus riders' Civil Rights at the MTA's monthly Board meeting! After months of pressure from the BRU, Mayor Villaraigosa requests that MTA staff present a plan for bus system improvements and Supervisor Ridley-Thomas introduced an amendment to the 2009 LRTP that included language to protect the 20% of Measure R funds exclusively for bus expansion.

Super Pasajera vs. the LRTP Legion of Doom

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:52:42 -0700

We have just finished with our teatro / rally / action at the MTA headquarters, but we are repeating our performance on Wednesday 10/21/2009 at 12:30pm at the corner of Wilshire / Western. Don't miss our performance! The Bus Riders Union, bus riders and their allies will be urging the public to call on MTA Board of Directors to reject the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) draft that calls for permanent fare increases and bus service reduction.

October Monthly Meeting: E-Action Committee Reports!

Julian Lamb — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:52:10 -0700

BRU member Julian Lamb reports on the monthly meeting. "For me, the highlight of the meeting, was when Mike de la Rocha, community activist and strong supporter of the We are Alex campaign, spoke passionately on the plight of Alex Sanchez."

L.A. County MTA Board support H.R. 2746 (Carnahan Bill)

Sunyoung Yang — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:33:56 -0700

MTA approved to support H.R. 2746 (Carnahan Bill) at the September MTA board meeting. This bill will allow local transit agencies to use anywhere from 30-50% of the transit funding they receive from the federal government to operate their public transportation system.

E-Action Committee Presents: September Monthly Meeting Report

Ian Sawyer — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:40:46 -0700

E-action Committee's first ever BRU Monthly Membership Meeting web-report, bringing you the newest and greatest from the BRU Monthly Membership Meeting. This month featured updates of the Clean Air and Economic Justice plan, as well as an update on the implementation of the Bus Only Lane.

BRU Report Card Summary Report

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:11:58 -0700

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BRU presents Mayor Villaraigosa 100’s of MTA bus service report cards - Huizar & Ridley-Thomas are next.

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:12:01 -0700

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BRU runs into Mayor at City Hall - members deliver postcards

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:56:30 -0700

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Our Trip to City Hall District Offices

Gabriel Strachota — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:00:41 -0700

BRU members spend 2 days at City Hall doing delegation visits to LA City Council and have a surprising encounter with Mayor Villaraigosa where they hand deliver 100's of postcards grading MTA bus service.

BRU Delegation present Councilmember Huizar 1248 postcards

Gabriel Strachota — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:11:50 -0700

Tuesday, September 1st- Bus Riders Union members conduct a delgation visit to LA City Council. They deliver over a thousand report cards to MTA baord member Jose Huizar.

Bus Riders Have Spoken: BRU Presents Supervisor Ridley-Thomas with Bus Survey Results

Ian Sawyer — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:53:16 -0700

After months of resultless waiting for Supervisor Ridley-Thomas to champion bus rider's needs, the BRU addressed him directly during the public comments section of the County Board of Supervisors Meeting, presenting the appalling MTA bus performance results from the BRU Survey and urging him to adopt the BRU Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan as a basis for the 20% of Measure R funds that were dedicated to improvement in the bus transit system.

MTA Doesn’t Make the Grade

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:57:02 -0700

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LA County riders grade MTA bus service - MTA did not make the grade!

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:13:30 -0700

Dozens of BRU members worked to collect close to 3000 postcards from bus riders who were asked to grade their bus service in LA County. People were asked to grade MTA bus service anywhere from an A for excellent thru an F for extremely poor, on the following aspects: fares, night service, on-time performance etc.,.

Is it now a crime to be poor? The criminalization of everyday life

Manuel Criollo — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:46:53 -0700

Barbara Ehrenreich's op-ed, Is it now a crime to be poor?, published on August 9th in the New York Times is an important contribution, written for the readers of the New York Times, about the criminalization of poverty in the U.S.

Is The BRU Winning the Battle of Ideas? (Part 1 of 2)

Esperanza Martinez — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:23:59 -0700

As local transit agencies cut much needed service and raise fares, despite the obligation the U.S. has to reduce green house gas emissions to curb global warming, forces in the world are calling for the restriction of auto use and working to implement policies to invest in a sustainable mass transit. Critical factors that shape the BRU’s programmatic demands – auto restriction, bus-centered system with bus only lanes and fare reductions as a means to free fares – are highlighted in the following articles of the last two weeks.

BRU members testify at MTA: LRTP must include Clean Air and Economic Justice!

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:02:52 -0700

Leaders from South LA and Boyle Heights get in front of the MTA board member to demand major changes in the MTA's Long Range Transportation Plan. Watch the video testimony and read their reflections.

BRU Youth Leader Testifies at MTA: Demands 500 more buses

Cesar Chavez — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:13:58 -0700

BRU member Cesar Chavez testifies at the July 23rd MTA Board Meeting, demanding that the Clean Air and Economic Justice plan be included in the MTA's Long Range Transportation Plan. Click here to read the blog and see him speak!

Bus Riders Union Work Featured in Urban Habitat's Race, Poverty and the Environment

Manuel Criollo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:29:36 -0700

Manuel Criollo, Lead Organizer of the Bus Riders Union, interviewed by Race, Poverty and the Environment, Spring 2009 Edition.

At Mayoral Inauguration, BRU LACAN and SAN Challenge Police Expansion, Stand for Human Rights

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:20:09 -0700

As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa prepared to enter his second term as Mayor of Los Angeles, the Bus Riders Union, Los Angeles Community Action Network and South Asian Network made a deliberate choice to take public our struggles with him about policing.

Organizers Hold Free Speech Ground Against Police

Becky Dennison — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:34:01 -0700

As usual, General Services police and LAPD combined forces to attempt to curtail our free speech rights and our right to public space.

In the Media Spotlight: BRU Rally at Mayor's Inauguration

Anson Stewart — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:50:35 -0700

BRU's rally at Mayor Villaraigosa's Inauguration yesterday received extensive media coverage. Along with our allies from the South Asian Network, and the Los Angeles Community Action Network, we were calling on the mayor to reduce his prioritization of police funding over social services.

Clean Air Economic Justice Plan

Nicole Eng — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:39:53 -0700

The Bus Riders Union’s Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan is a proposal to greatly expand Los Angeles County’s public transportation infrastructure and to advance a new bus-centered model for urban transportation and economic development. Document download is available now.

BRU Launches Policy Paper: Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan

Esperanza Martinez — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:33:23 -0700

Stopping MTA Rush Vote on 2009 Long-Range Plan

Esperanza Martinez — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:43:37 -0700

Last Tuesday, MTA gave us just two days' notice of a special "workshop" on the 2009 Long-Range Transit Plan. This "workshop" was actually where they wanted to adopt the 2009 LRTP. The public has not seen a version of the LRTP since 2008! We knew we had to stop this undemocratic, unethical vote.

A Letter to Mayor Villaraigosa re: MTA's Long Range Transportation Plan

Manuel Criollo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:31:41 -0700

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Tap Card Changes Would Hurt Student and Low-Income Bus Riders

Duyen Tran — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:16:08 -0700

The MTA's transition to the Tap Cards undermines the efforts the Bus Riders Union has committed to ensuring public transit affordability and accessibility. The Tap Card purchase imposes a $2 tax/fare increase to public transit that creates further financial burden to low-income bus riders and deters discretionary riders from investing in public transit use. Student discounted bus passes that were readily accessible on school campuses through the Student Bus Pass Campaign victory are threatened by the Tap Card transition as the new Metro Student Tap Card re-instates the application process and limits the venues from which the discounted bus passes can be acquired.

The Bus Riders Union Transit Model

Ryan Snyder — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:15:59 -0700

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“Public Transportation NOT Truancy Tickets”

Lisa Adler — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:09:42 -0700

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We Want Human Rights in Los Angeles, Not a Growing Police State!

Lisa Adler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:24:40 -0700

Community Organizations from across Los Angeles Call on Mayor Villaraigosa and other City Leaders to Support Healthy Communities in this Year's Budget!

BRU members speak out on Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan

Gabriel Strachota — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:27:28 -0700

Series of video interviews showcase BRU leaders on their Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan.

Maria Ester Tejada, Presente!

Esperanza Martinez — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:25:19 -0700

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Stimulus Package Lands at MTA

Daniel Kim — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:09:34 -0800

At today's MTA monthly board meeting, BRU organizers and members began struggling with the MTA over how it will use Obama Stimulus funds.

The good, the bad

BRU Planning Committee holds annual retreat

Daniel Kim — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Rose Braz and Guillermo Mayer: Budgets, stimulus, prisons and buses

Manuel Criollo — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:51:48 -0800

Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB) spokesperson Rose Braz and Public Advocates civil rights attorney Guillermo Mayor unmask California's budget crisis, prison juggeraut, and future of public transportation.

Meet Natasha and Julio—Newly Elected to BRU Planning Committee

Manuel Criollo — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:26:23 -0800

Held at our January monthly meeting, this year’s annual Planning Committee elections were a window into how members become leaders. This year, two Bus Riders Union members have been elected for their first terms on the Planning Committee. Each represents major age groups and regions of L.A.’s bus ridership. Natasha is a mother of 4 boys who lives in South LA and Julio is a 21-year old student from the San Fernando Valley. In their speeches, you can hear....

Winning Lessons from A Civil Rights Battle--MTA Board Rejects Service Cuts

Manuel Criollo — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:34:48 -0800

We are very pleased to announce that yesterday, April 24th, 2008, the MTA Board of Directors unanimously rejected a series of proposed service cuts to local bus service which threatened the mobility of thousands of bus riders. This important victory comes after 3 months of intense organizing by our members, organizers, bus riders and allies. There are many lessons to be learned from this campaign....

Superpasajera Battles the MTA Grim Reaper

Geoff Ramsey-Ray — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:53:18 -0800

Support Superpasajera against service cuts and fare increases!

BRU Slows Down Pro-Fare Increase Forces on MTA Board and Protects Senior Age at 62

Geoff Ramsey-Ray — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:29:20 -0800

MTA Staff is Ordered to Take Fare Policy Back to the Drawing Board and Maintain Senior Age at 62 for All Senior Fares

Barbara Lott-Holland: Impact of MTA's racist fare hike

Tammy Bang Luu — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:11:22 -0800

Chair of the Bus Riders Union Barbara Lott-Holland reflects on life on the bus and the real impact of higher fares on Black, Latino, and Asian working class bus riders.

Francisca Porchas: BRU strategy to stop the racist fare hike

Tammy Bang Luu — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:17:46 -0800

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Ryan Snyder: Bus vs. rail debate in LA

Tammy Bang Luu — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:22:23 -0800

Urban planning expert Ryan Snyder speaks on why buses, not trains, are the future of mass transit.

Manuel Criollo & Cynthia Rojas: 2004 Salvadoran elections

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:22 -0800

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Graham Boyd: Drug War as the new Jim Crow

Tammy Bang Luu — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:53:59 -0800

ACLU Civil Rights attorney Graham Boyd speaks on the fight against the War on Drugs as the civil rights struggle of the 21st Century.