In early 2008, the MTA began trying to justify cutting bus service on a so-called budget deficit. This is the same argument it has been using to justify fare hikes [link to No Fare Hike campaign]. Yet, despite this so-called deficit, MTA’s annual budget remains relatively stable at $3 billion and the agency continues to aggressively pour millions of dollars into rail and freeway projects, while Black, Latino, Asian and low-income bus riders are being asked to foot the bill.

29 Lines & 200,000 Service Hours Saves--Round One Goes to the BRU

The MTA’s first proposal was to cut or reduce 29 bus lines, and remove 375,000 local service hours, threatening the mobility of thousands of bus riders.  After 3 months of intense organizing by our members, organizers, bus riders and allies, on April 24th, 2008, the MTA Board of Directors moved unanimously to reject the proposal to eliminate or reduce the 29 lines. The Board also took back 200,000 annual hours slated to be cut from the bus system in December.  The BRU worked in alliance with Mayor Villaraigosa, Supervisor Burke and Councilmember Parks to opposing these cuts and lead a struggle on the Board.

Unfortunately, the Board did approve the reduction of 215,000 service hours (known as "trip thinning"), but placed a restriction of 25% on the increase in wait time. We are looking at all of our options to protect these hours.