[bru-info] PSA: Bus Riders Getting Organized for Fare Strike

[bru-info at lists.resist.ca]

Public Service Announcement

Bus Riders Getting Organized for Fare Strike


November, 4 2005

Vancouver -- Members and supporters of the Bus Riders Union, a grassroots organization
of transit dependent people, gathered on Sunday October 30 at the
Vancouver Public Library to plan for a Fare Strike scheduled for November
14 - 18.  The BRU has called the fare strike in response to TransLink's
continued refusal to lower fares and expand clean-air buses, to meet the
needs of transit-dependent communities.

"By refusing to lower fares or increase service, TransLink ignores the
needs and priorities of bus riders, the majority of whom are women,
Aboriginal people and people of colour," says BRU organizer Zailda Chan. 
"The Bus Riders Union is calling for a 1-week Fare Strike in November so
that our transit demands are taken seriously by TransLink."

In addition to calling for lower fares, the Bus Riders Union has put
forward the demand that TransLink change its current business-centred
transit agenda and focus on reducing chronic overcrowding on the buses. 
The BRU is also calling on TransLink to disband the armed Skytrain police
force, who racially discriminate and criminalize people of colour and
Aboriginal people.

"Bus riders know that waiting for TransLink to take action for our
communities is like waiting for a bus that may or may not come on time, or
ever," says Chan.  "As we gear up for the Fare Strike in November, we will
not only expose and oppose the lies of local politicians, but more
importantly we are building the collective power of bus riders to fight
back and to take control of our public services.  Bus riders are ready to
mobilize!  Fare Strike for people power!"


For more information on the November 14 - 18 Fare Strike contact the BRU
at 604 215 2775.




Bus Riders Union
407-119 West Pender Street, Vancouver
(604) 215-2775
http://bru.resist.ca/
bru at resist.ca
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