March 15 Social Event For Victoria Transit Riders

Fun, Free Social Event For Victoria Transit Riders and Workers on March 15th

The Victoria Transit Riders Union (VTRU) is holding its second annual Transit Riders Spring Celebration on Sunday, March15^th from noon to 3PM at Oaklands Community Centre (2827 Belmont Ave). The community-building social event is a celebration of Transit Workers Appreciation Day (March 18^th) and a joyful protest against woefully inadequate government investment in public transit, high bus fares – which increased to $3 for a single trip in Victoria last spring – and BC Transit’s increased fare enforcement.

This is a free, family-friendly event that will feature fun and creative activities, free snacks and refreshments, and live music. All transit riders and workers are welcome.

VTRU’s Chairperson, Liz Cronin, will make a short speech at 1PM to celebrate the goals and many accomplishments of our relatively young organization, and to announce the official launch of VTRU’s membership drive. VTRU membership is open to all Victoria transit riders, and confers voting rights and other perks.

“We can’t wait to gather as transit riders to thank transit workers, imagine a future with fare-free and excellent transit, and celebrate our community,” said Cronin. “The super wealthy and many people in power tell us that we can’t both abolish fares and have excellent transit. We must build our strength as a union and a community so we can make politicians tax corporations and the rich and deliver the transit we need. We’re stronger together, and celebration is part of our resistance.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring T-shirts, tote bags, or other items to silkscreen to make free custom VTRU swag. There will also be stations to make thank-you cards for transit workers and bus-themed crafts.

Membership dues will be on a sliding scale of up to $20 per year. All of VTRU’s funds come from members and donations from labour unions. Unlike other transit advocacy groups in BC, VTRU is an independent, working class organization and does not accept money from businesses.