Thanks to the leadership of MTA Board Chair Najarian and Mayor Villaragoisa,  MTA approved to support H.R. 2746 [1] (Carnahan Bill) at the September MTA board meeting. This bill will allow local transit agencies to use anywhere from 30-50% of the transit funding they receive from the federal government to operate their public transportation system.

During the last 2 months, the Bus Riders Union has been in conversation with both MTA staff and Mayor Villaraigosa's office to push for a motion to support this critical marker bill.

This bill if included in the Federal Surface Transportation Authorization Act [2] will provide some relief for local transit agencies across the country facing serious operation funding crisis. This in turn can help prevent transit service cuts and fare increases that not only hurt low-income bus riders of color but also dissuade people from leaving their cars and using public transportation.

While we urge the federal government to invest into public transit operation, the Mayor and the MTA Board must also work to prioritize and protect bus service by locking in the 20% of revenues from local sales tax Measure R for bus improvements as promised.  

Please call your congressmember to co-sponsor H.R. 2746 [3] and call Mayor Villaraigosa to ask him to adopt the BRU's Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan.

[4]Capitol Switchboard:202-224-3121
(state your zip code or congressmember's name and they will connect you to the office)

Mayor Villaraigosa 213-978-0600