In March, MTA was moving ahead with its 2010 fare hike as if it was already in the books.  No need for a public hearing, no need to reconsider the hike. 

But our campaign is changing the agenda. 

Three weeks ago, the Mayor, Councilmember Huizar, and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas responded to our organizing by moving towards an MTA motion for a public hearing. Two weeks ago, we organized LA City Council to pass a resolution urging a public hearing on the fare hikes.  Yesterday, we unlocked a media breakthrough with the LA Times, La Opinion and radio and TV picking up the story.

 

MTA Board considering motion to undermine public hearing and civil rights

But the MTA wants us to settle for an informational briefing to announce the fare increase and listen to “comments.”  This is not a public hearing and not a formal vote – a direct violation of the civil and democratic rights of bus riders.

Today they will vote on this motion and we’ll be there to demand a real public hearing and a formal MTA Board vote.

Please support us by reading our press release and calling the mayor, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, LA DOT General Manager Rita Robinson, Councilmember Huizar, and MTA Chair Najarian.

Please, call and email them.  

1. Urge them to move for a REAL public hearing
2. Ask them to take a stand against the racist fare hikes

Phone calls are more powerful than emails, so please call if you can.

Councilmember Jose Huizar Phone: (213) 473-7014 Email: Councilmember.Huizar@lacity.org		Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Phone: (213) 974-2222 Email: markridley-thomas@bos.lacounty.gov		Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Phone: (213) 978-0600 Email: Mayor@lacity.org
LADOT General Mgr Rita Robinson Phone: (213) 972-8470 Email: ladot@lacity.org		MTA Chairman Ara Najarian Phone: (818) 548-4844 Email: anajarian@ci.glendale.ca.us