Rider-Driver Solidarity Evening
Monday, May 21st at 7pm
The Labor Temple, Hall 8
2800 1st Avenue
The Transit Riders Union and the drivers’ ATU Local 587 are co-hosting a Rider-Driver Solidarity evening to discuss the future of public transit in King County. You are invited! Join us for a discussion of the current situation and how we can organize to save our transit system. Discussion will be followed by refreshments and socializing. This event will also kick off the Transit Riders Union’s first organizing drive, so if you are interested in becoming a member, be there!
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What happens when public transit falls under the ax of austerity? Riders get left behind, and drivers get squeezed and laid off. When vital public goods are dismantled, no one wins – except for the “1%” who put their short-term profit before the well-being of society and the planet we all share. The rest of us need to stand together in solidarity. Let’s organize and fight to save our bus service and our jobs!
Now is the time for us to get moving. The $20 car tab fee that temporarily saved our bus system last summer is due to expire in 2013. But on April 10th, the state legislature ended its special session without passing any sustainable local funding options for transit.[ref]For more information:
https://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120409/NEWS01/704099937#Transit-funding-stays-parked-in-special-session
https://t4washington.org/2012/04/11/state-legislature-leaves-transit-riders-stranded/
https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2012/April/JH_LP_transpo_options.aspx[/ref] This means that next year, Metro is likely to be right back where it was in spring 2011, facing deep service cuts.
But are we really so completely dependent on the state government to secure funding for public transit? Is there nothing we can do here, in our own city and county? The TRU is researching other options: progressive local funding mechanisms that can bring in revenue for transit service and other improvements, such as a low-income fare to make transit affordable for all poor and working people in King County.
Join us on May 21st to learn more!
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Hey
Chain me to a TROLLY. This more then Sucks.
Ya we need this service. Whos lame idea was this!
This Sucks
Chain me to a Trolly. Whos lame idea was this? Cut Backs as social services need this!
Chaimn me a Trolly. This was a real stupid idea Seattle