For more information,
contact: Michael Jacob
712-5475 or michaeljacobdc@hotmail.com
WHAT: The Transit and Parking Commission is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26 regarding a proposal for dramatic increases in bus fares for the next two years. Metro has claimed in the past that riders have largely not voiced concern over fare increases. To ensure that riders are aware of the proposal and know how to make their voices heard, concerned residents will be providing information to riders throughout the city in the next several days and urging those riders to express their opinions.
WHEN: Thursday, July 21 through Tuesday, July 26, various times during the day, primarily during morning and evening rush hour.
WHERE: Each of the four transfer points, along various bus routes and at locations service low-income residents.
WHO: Members of Progressive Dane and others concerned about the regressive impact of the fare increases, the need for the public to speak their minds on the issue and the need to consider the fare increases in the context of the full city budget.
“Summer time is the perfect time to slip through this kind of massive fare increase,” said Michael Barrett, one of several people who will talk directly with riders about the fare increase. “Lots of folks are on vacation or otherwise not tuning into what their local government might be up to. We are going to make sure Metro riders know about the fare increases heading their way and have the information they need to make their voice heard.”
NOTE TO EDITORS: Reporters and photo journalists are encouraged to spend half an hour or more with the people distributing the information and the riders they speak with. These conversations – at the Transfer Points, along bus routes and at places that serve low-income populations – should make for compelling photographic images and news stories.
To find out details of when and where these leafleting efforts and conversations will occur, contact Michael Jacob at 712-5475 or michaeljacobdc@hotmail.com.