Hundreds Help Kick Off District Coalition for Better Transit

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

More than 200 transit workers and community members celebrating the new District Coalition for Better Transit last week at a community forum in Anacostia. The new coalition is dedicated to "keeping public transit in the District safe, reliable, affordable and in public hands" says DC Jobs with Justice organizer Pedro Cruz. With DC's public buses facing proposed privatization, community members at the forum drew connections to other local issues, from affordable housing to the passing of the LRAA. "Where are the politicians tonight?"Metro Council President Jos Williams asked the crowd, commenting on the elected officials invited by the coalition, none of whom attended. Jackie Jeter, president of ATU Local 689, spoke out about the current "two-tier transit system" in which Metrobus costs $1.85 and has 65% African-American ridership, while the privately-managed Circulator costs just a dollar per ride and has 35% African-American ridership. The coalition plans to hold more, smaller forums around the city to raise awareness about the threat of privatizing public transit; stay tuned for more. - photo courtesy DC JwJ