[bru-info] What's Bus Riders' Union doing this summer?

[bru-info at lists.resist.ca]

Greetings BRU members and supporters!

We hope this email finds you all healthy and well.

It has been a while since our last gathering or public event.  But rest
assured that a core committee of the Bus Riders Union has been busy
assessing and strategizing behind the scenes.  It was important for us to
take time to think about where the BRU has been and where it should go.

There is no doubt that the need to organize for more buses and lower fares
is still urgent.  The provincial government is in charge of the transit
system now, and poor people in BC are already familiar with their
pro-privatization, anti-people agenda.

Police violence on Skytrain and the bus, including tasering, is creating a
climate of fear that's pushing undocumented refugees and migrant workers off
the transit system altogether.

Fares are slated to go up every two years (far beyond the pace of
inflation).  And overcrowding and pass-ups are still a daily indignity for
thousands of bus riders.  What better way to show disrespect for bus riders
than to cram us on the bus like sardines, and then charge unaffordable fares
for the privilege?

And people around the world are facing the reality of irreversible climate
change.   Those who will be most affected by rising oceans, changing weather
patterns and food shortages will be poor people in oppressed nations - the
people who contributed least to global warming.   What a cruel injustice.

What does climate change have to do with the bus?  Plenty.  Because funding
a viable public transit system is critical to solving the crisis of climate
change.  Because a government can't claim to be 'green' while investing
billions into highways and subsidies for auto manufacturers.  And because
bus riders should be seen as environmental leaders, not stereotyped as 'fare
evaders'.

So the Bus Riders Union's got plans for the next few months.  We want to
continue to fight for environmental justice.   But we need you to join us.
Maybe you have been a member for years, or maybe you just joined the mailing
list last week.  We still need you.

So, what's going on?

*JUSTICE FOR RIDERS*
We're going to be intensifying our fight against racial profiling and police
brutality with our campaign, Justice for Riders.  We're going to be
collecting stories, handing out 'know your rights' information sheets, and
organizing to make our transit system safe for all people, regardless of
race, income gender or immigration status.  Do you want to help out handing
out information and collecting stories at Skytrain stations and bus stops?
Contact us at 604-215-2775 or by email and let us know.  Training and bus
fare is provided.

*MOVIE NIGHT:  THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY*
Join us next Friday, July 25th from 7-9pm for our film presentation of John
Pilger's "War on Democracy" at the Organizing Centre (672 East Broadway).

Pilger's recent documentary looks at the imperialist role of the United
States in Latin America.  A series of interviews walks us through a history
of the US government engaging in the unlawful subversion of legitimate
governments across Latin America that follow social and economic policies
that contravene US neo-liberal goals.  Snacks provided.  Everyone welcome!

More events are being planned and we'll keep you updated by email, our
website, and by phone.

We looking forward to seeing you soon.  La Lucha Continua!


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