[bru-info] BRU Opposes Privatization of Transit Authority

[bru-info at lists.resist.ca]

For Immediate Release

March 9, 2007

*Bus Riders Union Opposes Privatization of Transit Authority*

*Changes to TransLink Reduce Democratic Accountability*

Vancouver – Transport Minister Kevin Falcon's recent announcement of
sweeping changes to TransLink structure (Vancouver Sun, March 8) are being
met with anger from the Bus Riders Union, a social justice organization
working for more buses and lower fares.  Says Jennifer Efting, BRU
Organizer, "It is obvious that these changes are meant to ramp up the
privatization of public transit and reduce democratic accountability".

Plans for the Governance Review began after the TransLink board voted
against the Canada Line twice in 2005 due to insufficient finances.  The
Canada Line, the biggest Public Private Partnership in Canadian history, was
finally forced through after a third vote.  "It looks like the BC Liberals
want to closely control our public transit system so they can ram through
privatization projects like the Evergreen Line." comments Efting. "Following
the pattern set by Canada/ R.A.V Line they are putting their ideological
agenda and the interests of big business ahead of needs of low-income bus
riders."

"We are very alarmed that the day to day operations of transit in the GVRD
will be handled by an 'advisory board' that is unelected and unaccountable
to bus riders.  This is clearly a step away from democratic accountability
and towards total privatization of public transit.  Transit dependent
people, who are majority women, already find it very difficult to make their
voices heard at the TransLink board.  It is a sad irony that this
announcement, made on International Women's Day, will further marginalize
the voices of transit dependent women."

Falcon's announcement comes just weeks after a Provincial Government thrown
speech that identified addressing climate change and reducing carbon
emissions as a top priority for the Province. Says Efting, "If the BC
Liberals are committed to fighting climate change, we need greater
accountability in our public transit system.  We need to massively increase
in bus service.  We need to lower transit fares.  Minister Falcon's
announcement is a huge step backwards for public transit in the GVRD"

Despite the recent announcement, the Bus Riders Union will be pressing on
with their campaign, "Ride With Dignity: Buy 500 Buses by 2010! Stop
Privatization!" which calls on TransLink to live up to promises to expand
the bus fleet by 500 buses by 2010.

*-30-*
-- 
Bus Riders Union
672 East Broadway St.
Vancouver BC
V5T 1X6
http://bru.vcn.bc.ca/
604-215-2775
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