On Friday, May 31 the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 and the Campaign to Stop the Bus Cuts organized a rally to protest the service cuts and layoffs and to tell our state legislators to provide adequate, dedicated funding for mass transit.

Over 400 people attended the rally. It was led by Pat McMahon, President-Business Agent for ATU Local 85. Speakers included State Rep. Chelsa Wagner, Allegheny County Labor Council President Jack Shea, Barney Oursler from the Campaign to Stop the Bus Cuts, UNITE-HERE Western PA Director Sam Williamson, and many others.

On April 27, hundreds of riders rallied in front of the County Courthouse. One of our demands was to publish the new schedules. It was cruel and unfair, we told Dan Onorato, to make riders wait till the last minute to see how the first round of service cuts would change their lives. At long last, Port Authority has released the schedules.

Click on the link below to view the new schedules:
http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/Default.aspx?tabid=371

At noon on April 27th around 200 folks gathered on the steps of the County Courthouse to demand that the Port Authority open its books. Khari Mosley kicked things off getting the crowd riled up with chants of "stop the cuts" and a call to "open the books." Video is below; also see photos and report at the League.

For several Wednesdays in a row, SEIU Local 3 members have gathered signatures at downtown intersections. SEIU Activist, Dee McCoy remarked," It's amazing how people just come right up to us, wanting to sign their name!"

The union activists wonder, who (if anyone) wants these cuts!

Snow days usually mean scrambling to find a baby sitter or taking the day off of work to stay with kids off of school. They mean wet feet, longer commutes, and cranky commuters. But on March 7, 2007, snow days took on a whole new meaning at the Allegheny County Court House.

Here’s some of the activities that have been going on throughout the county in opposition to the cuts:

In Brookline, the Community Council’s energetic opposition to the cuts helped several politicians to oppose them. City Council representative Motznik urged everyone to call and write Bland and Onorato. Mayor Ravenstahl said the cuts are too harsh. (His city planner pointed out that 11 city neighborhoods will lose ALL bus service, including Brookline).