Transit Equity
Accomplishments
Update (2/16/2010): Genesis Wins a Civil Rights Complaint and Saves Transportation Stimulus Funds
Through research, investigation and collaboration with partner organizations, we discovered the Metropolitan Transportation Commission gives AC Transit a $2.78 subsidy per rider, BART $6.14, and Caltrain $13.79. Decisions like these prioritize public investment and opportunity for some people while denying it for others. When public policy does this, it promotes poverty in communities throughout the Bay area.
Through our transportation equity campaign, last Fall, we were successful in opposing an increase in transit fares for students and seniors. We helped initiate and lead a campaign in support of Proposition VV (parcel tax for transit). This proposition was supported by 71% of voters and now generates $17 million a year for AC Transit. And, when the Metropolitan Transportation Commission attempted to divert $225 million in stimulus money designated for operations and maintenance of public transportation systems, Genesis opposed the effort and successfully reduced the amount diverted to $70 million.
Our most recent action was with the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Board for reconsideration of their decision to build an expensive Connector from the Oakland Coliseum BART station to the Oakland International Airport despite the fact they do not have the funds to underwrite the project.
Goals for 2009
- Win a transit victory to provide new or expanded transit service to low income communities and engage hundreds of people in the process.
- Persuade the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to reverse their apparent priority of service expansion over sustaining present transit systems.
If you would like to support our work to make Transit accessible to all, please attend or volunteer at one of our events, or consider making a tax-deductible contribution.
