FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2010

Contact:

Taisha O’Bryant, ACE/T Rider’s Union Chairperson
(617) 442-3343 x233

Lee Matsueda, ACE/T Riders Union Program Director
(617) 442-3343 x229
Cell: (617) 592-1295

Transit riders and workers united for federal funds

Federal budget cuts will hurt riders and workers.

Invest in first-class transit, rider safety, green transit and good jobs!

Where: Tuesday, May 4, at Park Street MBTA Station (at the intersection of Tremont, Park and Winter Streets in Downtown Boston)

When: 12:00 p.m.

Who: Transit Riders, the T Rider’s Union (TRU) program at ACE (Alternatives for Community and Environment), transit advocates, MBTA workers, elected officials and the general public

Why: Today, the T Rider’s Union (TRU) is standing with MBTA workers to demand no cutbacks to federal funds for transit. Slashing support to public transit, especially in a recession, disproportionally hurts workers, lower income communities and communities of color that depend on the T.

Without necessary funding, the MBTA's debt problem will continue to be pushed on riders, causing increased fare hikes and service cuts. In addition, recent reports of poorly maintained buses, eliminating workers' positions on trains and the fire hazards of an aging electrical system put rider safety and people's lives at risk.

Public transit is a public good. An efficient, affordable and accountable public transit system is not only a lifeline for thousands of families, it's also a vital step in the fight to stop global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's time to invest in a first-class public transit system that serves riders, provides good jobs and receives regular repairs and maintenance.