Opal

 Bus Riders Call on TriMet Directors to Restore Bus Service, Repeal Fare Increase

Portland, OR.  Bus Riders call upon TriMet Directors to develop a plan to restore bus service and find alternatives to fare increases.  Facing the 11th TriMet fare increase in 10 years, and the elimination of another 70,000 hours of basic bus service, Bus Riders organized by OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon will march and rally at Portland City Hall on Wednesday September 1st, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  
Bus Riders Unite, a new OPAL leadership group, has called the demonstration to draw attention to the impact on transit dependent riders from low-income communities and communities of color, and to call for an affordable, reliable and accessible public transportation system for all in the Metro Portland region.

WHO: Bus Riders Unite!  A project of OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon.
WHAT: Rally for the Bus
WHEN: Wednesday September 1st, 4:00-6:00 PM
WHERE: Portland City Hall 1221 SW 4th Ave (between Jefferson & Madison)
WHY: Bus Riders call upon TriMet Directors to develop a plan to restore bus service and find alternatives to fare increases.  For affordable, reliable bus service and a public transportation that meets our economic, environmental, livability and health goals.

Bus riders and community allies are increasingly concerned with the decay of TriMet’s bus service, and the fare increase of 70% over the last 10 years.  Transit dependent riders seek a respected voice in TriMet decision-making, and call upon TriMet to show leadership in preserving basic bus service for Metro Portland’s most vulnerable communities.  Bus Riders Unite is also advocating at the state and federal level for fundamental change in revenue sources and flexibility taxpayer transportation dollars.
Let us know if you can volunteer to hold a sign, or help out in some other way.  503-928-4354.

OPAL BLOCK PARTY RAISES $1,000!

 Thanks to the 75 friends and OPAL Members who came out for our summer block party last weekend.  We had a great time, enjoyed good food and music, and had a chance to relax on a warm afternoon.