Transit Riders for Public Transportation

HuffPost: Think About the Transportation Sector

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:12:40 -0800

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the mainstream media has begun to talk about climate change in a new way. This article from the HuffPost Green is one of the few to tie climate change and mass transit together.

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.

TRPT: Looking to the Future

Francisca Porchas — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:17:38 -0700

As you know, the U.S. Congress recently passed a $120 Billion Federal Surface Transportation Act after years of struggle over its content. TRPT sees an important struggle ahead over the future of mass transit.

NEPA concerns with HR 4348 and S1813

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:22:03 -0700

As the House and Senate go to conference committee for the newest Federal Surface Re-authorization, their have arisen environmental concerns. The proposed Federal Surface Re-authorization bill has proposed streamlining of environmental processes in order to accelerate project implementation. In this report the breakdown of the proposed streamlining for both the House bill, HR 4348 and the Senate bill, S1813 are broken down and explained.

Updated! We must fight back! The Right Is Using Federal Transportation Bill to Gut NEPA and Pass Keystone Pipeline!

Francisca Porchas — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:23:35 -0700

Transit Riders for Public Transportation national campaign (Labor/Community Strategy Center) is calling on our allies in the EJ Movement to join us as we mobilize to stop this assault on the communities of color, the poor and the planet

Stop the Attack on Public Transit Civil Rights and Enviro Justice!

Francisca Porchas — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:38:09 -0800

On Thursday, February 8th, TRPT will be joining a national coalition in a National Call-In Day against Federal Transportation bill H.R. 7. Reasons to VOTE NO on H.R. 7 (the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act) and maintain 30 years of dedicated federal commitment to supporting mass transit, creating jobs and protecting civil rights and environmental justice:

ALERT! Republicans moving tomorrow to eliminate transit from federal funding

Francisca Porchas — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:01:00 -0800

In a shocking move, Republicans are moving to eliminate all federal funding for transit in the $200BN federal transportation bill (transit has traditionally recieved 20%). The Ways and Means Committee is in final negotiations over this proposal to zero out transit and will vote tomorrow morning. Please call your member of the Ways and Means Committee.

ALERT! Tell Congress to Vote NO on House Transportation Bill (HR 7)-- Attack on Public Transit, Civil Rights and Enviro Justice

Francisca Porchas — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:35 -0800

Word has raced out that House Republicans are moving to eviscerate transit in the federal transportation bill. But there's also a series of provisions in the bill that are aimed at our grassroots communities of color who make up the backbone of transit ridership across the country. They include the elimination of environmental requirements and planning tools that project our rights.

House Speaker hopes to fund infrastructure with oil drilling

Crystal McMillan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:05:27 -0800

Some Republicans in the House led by Speaker John Boehner want to fund the new Federal Surface Transportation Bill with revenue from off-shore drilling.

TRPT reaffirms and regroups at national gathering

Francisca Porchas — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:17:40 -0700

Representatives from 11 leading member organizations of Transit Riders for Public Transportation gathered for 2 retreat-like days in Los Angeles.

Brookline Study: Transit Access and Zero-Vehicle Households

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:16:59 -0700

"Zero vehicle households live in neighborhoods well served by bus and rail service..however, that transit service frequently falls short on connecting households to ample job opportunities." Brookline has created a study based an analysis of data from the American Community Survey and 371 transit providers in the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas.

Transportation Equity Network Report:The Road to Good Jobs

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:54:07 -0700

A report on boosting construction job access through training and apprenticeship programs

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.

T4A: House Proposal to End Two Transit Programs Could Impact $15 B in Projects

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:00:59 -0700

House cuts may eliminate $15 Billion for Transit The House of Representatives proposes to eliminate two programs that fund capital investment in transit.

Growing Again: Milwaukee Transit Riders Union joins as TRPT expands legislative supporters

Francisca Porchas — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:04:58 -0700

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Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:58:20 -0700

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Los Angeles People's Public Hearing

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:55:50 -0800

As Congressman Mica holds his field hearings across the country, he has not opened the hearings to spoken comments from the public. So one day ahead of the February 23 hearing in West Los Angeles, the BRU held its own People's Hearing on the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Western.

People’s Field Hearing Calls on the Federal Government for Action

Francisca Porchas — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:54:33 -0800

What: People's Field Hearing Who: Transit riders, The Bus Riders Union, Transit Riders for Public Transportation national campaign, community allies including unions and community organizations Where: Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave. When: Tuesday, February 22 at 10:30 am

Post Election Survey shows support for transit remains strong in New York

Crystal McMillan — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:40:30 -0800

Normal 0 TRPT members, WEACT and UPROSE, are part of the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA). The alliance created a survey, which asked crucial questions about transportation and equity that was circulated amongst New York State candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. The survey included questions like "what does the term transportation equity mean to you?" and "What are your top legislative priorities for the federal transportation bill that specifically address environmental justice and civil rights?"

TRPT Chicago explores worker transit cooperative to restore local service

Michael Pitula — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:49:09 -0800

Little Village for Environmental Justice starts local fight with a multi-year effort to restore bus service to 31st Street. The service to this area, which connects transit dependent Latino's, African-Americans, Chinese-Americans, working class whites, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities to jobs, schools, hospitals, and recreational areas has become the focus of their fight to restore local bus service. Little Village also building an alliance to start a worker managed transit cooperative

TRPT's take on Obama's $50bn "Roads, Railways, and Runways" infrastructure investment plan

Francisca Porchas — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:51:44 -0700

Many of us have been carefully watching the administration's moves on infrastructure investment ever since he announced his "Roads, Railways and Runways" plan in September and started talking about a permanent Infrastructure Bank.

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.

Guest Blog from Tri-State Transportation Campaign: Follow the Money

Ya-Ting Liu — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:51:23 -0700

While transportation advocates struggle in Washington to derail the priorities that have shaped transit spending for the last 50 years, it is also important to understand how federal funding is only the first part of the transit pie.

Breakthrough at the US Social Forum

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:04:33 -0700

In Detroit Michigan from June 22nd-June 26th, TRPT gathered with more than 15, 000 people for the U.S. Social Forum. Described not as a conference, but a political process to align and strengthen our communities, the Social Forum embarked with the motto: Another World is Possible, another U.S. is Necessary, another Detroit is happening.

TRPT Meets with LA City Council Members

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:49:47 -0700

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TRPT joins Rev. Jesse Jackson and labor for NYC press conference on transit operations

Crystal McMillan — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:54:28 -0700

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TRPT leads workshops at "A Seat at the Table" TEN Conference

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:03:39 -0700

Members of Transit Riders for Public Transportation, the Transportation Equity Network, Bus Riders Union, Urban Habitat, Public Advocates and WEACT led four workshops earlier this week (3/15-16) at the Transportation Equity Network's conference "A Seat at the Table."

An LA Bus Rider Goes To Capitol Hill

Crystal McMillan — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:49:45 -0700

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Transit Operations Crisis' Continue to Spread

Crystal McMillan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:23:24 -0800

Operations Service Cuts are crippling Mass Transit in Atlanta

$70M Transit Breakthrough in Restoring Civil Rights Title VI

Francisca Porchas — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:39:00 -0800

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GUEST BLOG: Update from Chicago--senators, doomsday layoffs

Mike Pitula — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:27:02 -0800

In January, the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) of Chicago was proud to take part in the TRPT's National Advocacy Day for Civil Rights. We met with the staff of Senator Durbin and Senator Burris, as well as the staff of Representatives Davis, Gutierrez, Jackson, Jr, Lipinski, and Quigley. Because senators’ number one priority right now is jobs, we stressed...

2009: A Tough but Exciting First Year for Transit Riders for Public Transportation

Francisca Porchas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:33:47 -0800

It has been both a tough and exciting first year for our civil rights and environmental justice campaign to influence the second largest federal bill: the $500 billion federal surface transportation act. Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to step back and reflect on my eventful year as lead coordinator of Transit Riders for Public Transportation.

Federal Transportation Act: a Battle for Climate Justice

Sunyoung Yang — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:18:55 -0800

Lead Organizer and National Coordinator of the Transit Riders for Public Transportation (TRPT), Francisca Porchas discusses the battle for climate justice in the re-authorization of the $500 billion Federal Surface Transportation Act in this winter's issue of Race, Poverty, & the Environment themed "Climate Change: Catalyst or Catastrophe?"

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."

California Supreme Court: "Spillover" Transportation Funds Can't Be Diverted!"

Richard A. Marcantonio — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:01:40 -0700

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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.

Delegation Part 3: Lucille Roybal-Allard

Kelsey Tanaka — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:54:42 -0700

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Delegation Visit Part 2: Xavier Becerra

Kelsey Tanaka — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:10:02 -0700

In the second part of our series of delegation visit reportbacks for the Transit Rider's for Public Transportation National Campaign, Bus Rider's Union members, John Bell and Maria Paz Jaen, visited the office of their congressmember, Xavier Becerra on Thursday September 3, 2009. They urged Congressman Becerra to co-sponsor and support H.R. 2746 and the TRPT campaign platform for better low fare bus service for low income communities of color.

Private Enforcement of Regulations Promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation to Effectuate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

Francisca Porchas — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:49:38 -0700

Sec. [ tbd ]. Private Enforcement of Regulations Promulgated by the Secretary of
Transportation to Effectuate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Bus Riders Union visits Diane Watson

Kelsey Tanaka — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:23:04 -0700

With the reauthorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Act (FSTA) still pending in Congress, the first delegation of Bus Riders Union members visited House Representative Watson's office to meet with her district transportation staffer, Ken Bell, last Thursday August, 20th, 2009.

Next Push for Federal Transit Operation Funding! Take Action Now

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:00:47 -0700

The good news is that as a result of the calls and emails sent by members of the TRPT campaign over the past month, the number of congressmembers co-sponsoring H.R. 2746 (Carnahan-MO) has grown. As you may recall H.R. 2746 is a marker bill that will allow more federal transit dollars to be used for the cost of operating buses and trains in the upcoming $500 billion federal surface transportation act (FSTA).

TEN's report: Stranded at the Station

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:45:31 -0700

Our overview and the report by Transportation Equity Network (TEN) and Transportation for America (T4A): Stranded At the Station, outlining the financial crisis of public transportation across the country.

Francisca Porchas & Laura Barrett: Turning the Highway Bill into Pro-Public Transit, Pro-Environment Policy

Tammy Bang Luu — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:45:15 -0700

Two national public transit organizers explain why the federal surface transportation in Congress right now has huge implications for the future of public transit and the environment in the US, and how a national campaign led by environmental and transit justice groups are intervening to upset the traditional pro-highway, pro-auto script.

TRPT National Day of Action

Ian Sawyer — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:48:03 -0700

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Bus Riders Union Organizes to Stop the Nationwide Transit Crisis

Sunyoung Yang — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:25:48 -0700

BRU members equipped with cell phones jumped on the buses to encourage bus riders to make phone calls to their congressmembers to co-sponsor H.R. 2746, a bill in the House introduced by Congressmember Carnahan (MO), that will allow 30-50% of federal transit dollars to be invested into transit operations.

National Day of Action Slide Show

Gabriel Strachota — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:43:58 -0700

See pics of BRU members fighting for more operations funds from the federal transportion bill.

National Day of Action for Transit Operations Funds

Sunyoung Yang — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:32:56 -0700

Join us July 22nd in Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, New York City and Portland! We're calling on the Obama Administration and Congress to break with the last two decades of favoring toxic highway expansion.

Potholes in the Stimulus Plan - Why isn't Mass Transit Part of the Package?

Manuel Criollo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:53:19 -0700

We are featured in this piece in a Slate publication called "Big Money". It does a good job at showing how the stimulus transportaion funds follow the status quo of federal transit funds that virtually fund exclusively the expansion of highways over public transportation. It's titled, "Potholes in the Stimulus Plan - Why isn’t mass transit part of the package?" by Amy Tennery.

Blueprint for the FSTA Is Out!

Sunyoung Yang — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:43:28 -0700

The first draft of the reauthorization bill has been released by Oberstar's committee. We will be putting out a full analysis in a few weeks but a picture is coming into focus...

TRPT Packs D.C. Briefing Room: Advocacy Day 2009 Report

Francisca Porchas — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:34:08 -0700

On Tuesday, June 9th, ten different organizations from across the country, including our allies from Transportation Equity Network (TEN) joined Transit Riders for Public Transportation (TRPT) for their first national Advocacy Day on the Hill. The first half of the day organizers from across the country met with at least 30 meetings with the staff of congressional leaders. The Advocacy Day culminated with a Congressional Briefing hosted by TRPT and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano on the importance of greatly expanding permanent transit operating assistance funding in the next federal surface transportation act...

Join us for our First Advocacy Day in D.C

Francisca Porchas — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:17:05 -0700

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Oregon Joins The Campaign

Francisca Porchas — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:23:11 -0700

We are glad to welcome Organizing People, Activating Leaders (OPAL) and the newly formed Portland Transit Riders Union to our national campaign. A third organization, Oregon Action, is currently deliberating joining. We also held extensive discussions with many new allies in the state. Oregon is extremely important because Congressman Peter DeFazio is the chair of one of the two main committees drafting the federal surface transportation act...

Atlanta Transit Riders Union – Atlanta Jobs With Justice: Statement On MARTA Financial Crisis

Terence Courtney — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:31:05 -0700

Interview with Laura Flanders, Grit TV--Transit operations crisis, 80/20 and the climate future

Francisca Porchas — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:17:27 -0700

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New EPA Chief At WE ACT Conference, What's Our Next Move?

Francisca Porchas — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:49:15 -0800

To understand how monumental it is for Lisa Jackson to be the new EPA chief, you have to look at history. Traditionally, heads of the EPA have been for the most part white men praised for how much money they saved industry....

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.

Cecil Corbin-Mark: The climate crisis and obama

Eric Mann — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

WE-ACT for Environmental Justice climate policy expert and environmental justice organizer Cecil Corban-Mark asks whether or not the free market solutions that created the climate crisis should be used to fix it.