[bru-info] Bus Riders Union warns of growing public health and environmental crisis

[bru-info at lists.resist.ca]

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2007

Bus Riders Union warns of growing public health and environmental crisis if
TransLink stalls on bus fleet expansion, raises fares

The TransLink board will vote today on whether or not to purchase additional
buses and take their first steps towards a fare increase.

The Bus Riders Union (BRU) is warning of a growing overcrowding crisis on
buses in the GVRD if TransLink continues to stall on making a meaningful
investment in bus service expansion.

Last month, in response to crisis conditions of overcrowding on our buses
and the grassroots pressure of the Bus Riders Union (BRU) Ride With Dignity
campaign, TransLink made an unplanned purchase of 45 new expansion buses.
Far more buses are still needed.  Since 2000, service hours have only gone
up three percent per year, as compared to the ten percent yearly increase
originally promised in the Strategic Transportation Plan.   Says Jennifer
Efting, BRU organizer, "TransLink needs to stop promising and start
delivering on bus expansion."

Continues Efting, "TransLink staff have recommended a purchase of 109
replacement buses  - which won't increase service at all.  We urge TransLink
to commit to making at least 55 of those expansion buses – which would mean
more buses on the road, and would be an important step towards alleviating
overcrowding and long waits."

The Bus Riders Union is also urging the TransLink board to reject any steps
towards a fare increase. Notes Efting, "Transit dependent people already
live far below the poverty line in the most expensive city in Canada. Rents
are skyrocketing, and wages and welfare rates are stagnating.  As threats of
global warming intensify, bus riders should be recognized as environmental
leaders, not attacked in the pocketbook."

The Bus Riders Union Ride with Dignity campaign has been gaining widespread
support from community groups, labour and students, with endorsements from
the Canadian Auto Workers' Local 111, Hospital Employees' Union, the BC
Teachers' Federation, the U-PASS Coalition, the Capilano College Student
Union, the Philippine Women's Centre, the Health Sciences Association, and
the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 15.


~30~

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