A new study by UCLA economist Paul Ong, commissioned by the BRU, finds that MTA policies are squeezing transit riders at both ends. The study reveals that two years after the federal stimulus, fare increases place a burden on transit-dependent people already hit by high unemployment and declining wages.

On April 12th, 2012, Cleveland High School's Taking Action organized a "1000 Hoodie March" with the support of the Village Nation and Black Student Union. Hundreds of students gathered outside the gym during lunch in solidarity with the nation's call for justice in the murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin.

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.

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.

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!

On Monday, April 2nd the Spring Break Taking Action begins. The club is a political education and action program that welcomes high school students from all over Los Angeles.

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!

In the latest report on school suspensions, expulsions, and school based arrests, Los Angeles Unified School District and Los Angeles School Police did not report figures to Civil Rights Data Collection.

Black columnists speak out about the increasingly obvious correlation between racial politics and school discipline. The issue of truancy tickets and harsh school polices has grown into a national educational crisis.

Our Community Rights Campaign victory is stirring the national debate about punitive “zero tolerance” policies and school policing in black and brown communities. Here’s the story: “To get kids to class, LA softens its hard line.”