A few months ago, Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 14, Jose Huizar, was appointed by Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to be one of his 3 appointees on the MTA  Board of Directors.  Some of the communities Councilmember Huizar represents are Eagle Rock, El Sereno and Boyle Heights, a community with a high concentration of public transit dependent residents in Los Angeles.  

BRU organizers met with Councilmember Huizar when he came onto the MTA Board to discuss respective visions for public transportation in Los Angeles. and have repeatedly used public comment at Board  meetings to ask for  his support of the BRU's Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan. 

BRU members have launched an on-the-buses campaign in the city and specifically in Boyle Heights to build support for the Clean Air and Economic Justice plan. This effort has consisted of postcard collection, phone call drives into Councilmember Huizar's office and rallies on Soto and Cesar Chavez. These efforts have resulted in over 1000 postcards addressed to the Councilmember where residents gave overall bus service a D grade average.  

After a few public testimonies, at the MTA Board meetings, where the BRU addressed the council member, we decided it was time visit him on his turf, City Council Chambers. On Wednesday, September 2nd, the day after BRU members and organizers deliver hundreds of postcards to Supervisor Ridley-Thomas at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting, BRU members and BRU leader Rosa Miranda delivered 1248 report cards that demonstrated an overall dissatisfaction with bus service.  Rosa explained to him, "these results clearly demonstrate that there is a great need [for bus service improvement] and that you as a representative have the responsibility to fight for the people who you represent ...the Bus Riders of Los Angeles have spoken, we are hoping for more than just silence on your part councilmember Huizar. Are you ready to be the champion of the Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan? The public is waiting for your response Mr. Huizar..."  

While the councilmember did not respond, the Bus Riders Union  believes he must play a critical role to protect and expand the Civil and Environmental rights of Black, Latino and working class bus riders in Los Angeles.  

Shortly after the City Council meeting, a delegation of BRU members went to visit the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Read BRU member Rosa Miranda's account of our run in with the Mayor.