Massive fare increases coupled with deep service cuts have led Seattle bus riders to form the Seattle Transit Riders Union (TRU) – the first such union in the US. The group came together in 2011, after the 2008 economic downturn forced King County Metro to increase fares by 80%.

Since 2008, as steep decline in tax revenues has caused a major budget crisis for cities, states and across the US. Most have responded by slashing important public services, such as schools, libraries, clinics, road maintenance, street lighting, policing and public transportation.

In 2012, the TRU launched a campaign to pressure King County Council to adopt a reduced fare for low-income riders. The program, Orca Lift, was officially launched in March 2015.

Other significant TRU victories include

• Increasing funding 33% for the Human Services Reduced Fare Bus Ticket Program (2014). This program allows social service organizations to purchase reduced fare bus tickets for the low income and homeless populations they serve.
• Winning (in coalition with other activist groups) a $15 minimum wage for all Seattle residents (2014).
• Passing (in coalition with other activist groups) two major ballot measures significantly improving public transportation funding (2014 and 2015).
• Electing (in coalition with other activist groups),  3 out of 5 “Dream Team” progressive candidates to Seattle City Council (2015).

Seattle Transit Riders Union is a volunteer-run organization of poor and working people. Entirely funded by member dues and donations, it’s independent of any foundation, labor union or political party.

On July 26, 2016 they organized the Solidarity Summit on Affordable Transit at SEIU 775 in Seattle.

The presentations below are from the Summit. For more information, see their website at Transit Riders Union