Transit riders could end up getting the short end of the stick in favor of more roads in Orange County and other locations. How do you advocate for public transportation and be heard? Here are some suggestions.
- Find out who manages the transit system you use. For instance, if you ride the bus in Orange County, you need to learn about OCTA. You should know who is on the Board that represents your city and how to get in touch with them. Most OCTA board members are also a County Supervisor or City Council member, so you can also get in touch with them through those offices.
- Find out what is going on. Pay attention to public meetings, community meetings, and other outreach so you know if your transportation can be changed.
- Register to vote and vote in elections. The majority of OCTA board members were elected as either a County Supervisor or City Council member. Let them know that you vote and where you stand on their re-election. If they aren't a Supervisor or Councilmember anymore, they can't be on the OCTA board.
- Join groups which advocate for your group. In Orange County, Transit Advocates of Orange County (TAOC) lets transit users know about upcoming meetings, hearings, and potential changes. Dayle MacIntosh Center advocates for the rights of the disabled, including transportation rights. These are just two groups - there are many other groups.
- Create a group to advocate for transit. Do you take the bus to high school or college? Create a group at your school to make sure you keep your bus service. No bus service, no school. There are many possibilities here.
- Work with business leaders to keep bus service where you need it. Are there people where you work that take the bus to work? Have your company owner, president, manager or human resources department contact the local transit agency to tell them the business will be hurt by the cuts.
- Talk with your fellow riders and encourage them to become active.
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