The Transit Riders Union isn’t a traditional charity or a passive non-profit run by corporate boards, we are a democratic membership organization of working and poor people organizing to build collective power. When you join TRU, you aren’t signing up for a newsletter, you are becoming an active part of a union family fighting for regional economic, housing, and transit justice.
Here is exactly what happens when you take the step to join us in the fight.
Your First Step: The One-on-One Welcome Chat
We believe that our movement is only as strong as the relationships we build with one another. We don’t rely on corporate lobbyists; we rely on the lived experiences and dedication of our members.
As soon as you submit your membership application, here is how we bring you into the fold:
Connecting with an Organizer
A member of our Outreach Committee will be personally assigned to welcome you. They will reach out to schedule a casual phone call or invite you to grab a coffee.
The Welcome Discussion
During this chat, your outreach partner will introduce you to the inner workings of TRU. You’ll hear about how we run our democratic monthly membership meetings, how we coordinate campaigns, and how you can help.
Finding Your Place in the Fight
Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Why did you join TRU? What are the issues impacting your daily life; is it predatory landlord fees, unreliable bus routes, or regressive local taxes? Learning about your interests helps your outreach partner guide your next steps in TRU.
Direct Introduction to Campaign Leads
Based on your passions and skills, your outreach partner will personally introduce you to the specific TRU point people leading the committees that match your interests. Whether you want to draft policy, hit the streets to talk to riders, or help improve our data infrastructure, we make sure you have an immediate entry point to take action.
Explore Our Committees
Our union is powered by member-run committees that meet regularly to plan strategy, draft legislation, and organize our communities.
- Bus and Transit Service (BATS): The core of our transit advocacy. We organize riders at bus stops and light rail stations to fight for expanded routes, increased frequencies, and a fully funded transit network that serves working neighborhoods.
- Legislative: The engine behind our policy wins. This team analyzes municipal policy, drafts independent legislation, and coordinates heavy grassroots pressure on elected officials to pass tenant protections and progressive taxes.
- Disability and Access: Led by our visually impaired and disabled members, this committee holds transit agencies and local transportation departments accountable to ensure transit infrastructure and public spaces are safe and accessible for every human being.
- Technology: Powering our digital infrastructure. From website overhauls to maintaining the data tools that keep our independent union connected and secure, this team ensures our technical operations match our organizing power.
- Outreach: The frontlines of our base-building. This committee coordinates mutual aid, connects with transit riders directly on high-injury corridors, and welcomes every single new member into our union family.
- Elections and Endorsements: Building independent political power. This member-run team interviews local candidates, coordinates our democratic endorsement process, and mobilizes massive volunteer voter-outreach operations to put actual champions for the working class into office.
Ready to Step Up?
“We are many, they are few… and we live here.”
Your membership dues keep us unapologetically independent and accountable to working people, not corporate donors. Whether you can contribute $10, $50, or $100 a month on our sliding scale, you are a full member with an equal vote in the future of our region.