BRU calls on mayor for bus improvements.pdf [1]

How to contact the Mayor:

213.978.0600     
mayor@lacity.org [2]

The Bus Riders Union was opposed to MTA’s regressive 1/2 cent county sales tax put on the November 4th ballot. We worked to educate voters on the potential violations of Black, Latino and working class bus riders’ civil and environmental rights if the sales tax was passed. At a time when low and middle income families are facing economic hardship, the regressive nature of MTA’s sales tax will be further aggravated. Measure R has passed, though, and we want to secure the 20% promised to bus riders. We know MTA has a long history of raiding bus funds (as was the case with previous sales taxes) and violating bus riders’ rights. Therefore, we must hold the fire to MTA’s feet to truly invest Measure R 20% funds into the bus system. After the BRU wrote a letter to Mayor Villaraigosa, and bus riders called his office, he passed an important motion at the December 4th Board meeting asking MTA staff to look at bus system improvements with these new funds. Now we need to make sure this happens and that concrete improvements are implemented as soon as possible. Take action NOW!

Call Mayor Villaraigosa to say:

“We appreciate your leadership in introducing a motion for bus system improvements using Measure R funds.  We now urge you to specifically call for:

1. $52 monthly pass and full reversal of the 2007 fare increase
2. the purchase & operation of 500 expansion buses
3. $150 million for a countywide bus-only lane program starting with the Wilshire Bus-Only Lanes Project.
4. Reject any proposal to cut service in 2009

Join us at the next BRU meeting!

Saturday, February 21st at 10:00am
3300 Wilshire Blvd (at Berendo)
Bus Lines: 20, 720, 754, 204 and Red Line to Vermont/Wilshire