As local transit agencies cut much needed service and raise fares, despite the obligation the U.S. has to reduce green house gas emissions to curb global warming, forces in the world are calling for the restriction of auto use and working to implement policies to invest in a sustainable mass transit. As the fight for the [1] Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan continues, we are also attempting to build deeper understanding of what other cities and agencies are doing to push the bounds of what some think is possible in the realm of public transportation. Critical factors that shape the BRU’s programmatic demands – auto restriction, bus-centered system with bus only lanes and fare reductions as a means to free fares – are highlighted in the following articles:

• David Lazarus – LA Times business columnist – reminisces on his visit outside of North America [2] where he saw viable transit systems running smoothly yet a necessary piece towards that end that is lacking in Los Angeles is the political willingness to restrict auto use to discourage auto use.
• Elisabeth Rosenthal – New York Times writer – draws attention to TransMilenio [3], the renowned Bus Rapid Transit system in Bogotá, Colombia, as a significant bus system model that  may be able to aid in the fight against climate change. Its success is in large part due to policies that restrict auto use in the city.
• Sewell Chan and Michael Barbaro -- New York Times writers highlight Mike Bloomberg's campaign plan [4] to move the transit agency forward by proposing NY MTA stop collecting fares on cross-town buses and build upon BRT projects. This proposal comes after a series of fare increases approved under Mayor Bloomberg's administration although the plan has major gaps, that we will look to the NY environmental justice organizations to speak to, putting these policies on the table opens up space for us, as organizers in Los Angeles. 

This is what we have been reading, check out the articles and share your comments and in the next few days be expecting a more thorough BRU write-up titled - "Is The BRU Winning the Battle of Ideas?" How the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Mayor Bloomberg are following the lead of Bus Riders Union to Combat Global Warming and the Public Health Hazards of Automobiles "