Kelda and fellow members rallying for transit justice |
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Hi Jack,
My name is Kelda Gorman, and I’m an activist member of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. This year, PPT launched its Visionary Transit Service campaign, which invites riders like you and me to reimagine what our transit system should be. I’m so excited to be part of this fight. Can I count on you to fight with me? |
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As a disabled rider who can’t drive for safety reasons, I’m highly reliant on Pittsburgh Regional Transit. For me and so many others the bus is not a convenience—it’s a necessity. If my bus doesn’t come, the lift doesn’t work, or the driver doesn’t know how to secure the safety restraints, I’m stuck. Literally. And even when all those factors fall into place, I’m still afraid for my safety.
Not long ago, I had a terrible experience on a transit bus. When I boarded, I saw a woman with a stroller standing in the designated wheelchair area. I politely asked if she would move to the other side so I could secure my chair in the only space where it fits on the bus. Before she could respond, another passenger started shouting hateful words at me and my service dog. I knew I couldn't count on the driver for help, because transit instructs operators not to get involved, for their own safety. I understand that—but what about my safety? Jack, I had to get off that bus as quickly as I could, because I was afraid I would be physically attacked or suffer a stress-induced seizure. This is not a transit service that meets our community’s needs.
I invest my time in PPT because I know our transit service can do better. PPT’s Visionary Transit Service campaign helps me dream big about: |
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Efficiency: Buses should run frequently and on time, so we don't have to "gamble at the bus stop" wondering when or if a bus will come.
- Safety: All drivers should be fully trained in how to use wheelchair safety restraints and be empowered to safely intervene when a rider is being attacked.
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Accessibility: transit should maintain a large enough fleet of paratransit vehicles and drivers so folks like me can call for service one hour in advance, ratehrt han the 24-48 hours required now.
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I know this all takes money. But the secret is: our government HAS the money! It’s up to us to convince them to allocate it to transit. I experienced this first hand when I joined PPT’s lobbying trip to Harrisburg this year. One of our elected representatives told us that hearing about transit troubles directly from constituents brought it home to him in a new way. We put a human face on this issue and helped him understand why we need a fully-funded, inclusive vision for public transit.
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That’s what makes PPT so special: as a grassroots union of riders, workers, and neighbors, PPT brings us all together to make a real and lasting difference in how our transit system works. Will you join as a member today? |
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Jack, I’ve seen firsthand what a difference we can make when riders, drivers and community members come together to demand change. Join us as we Visualize and Mobilize for a community vision of what transit can and should be. The minimum cost of joining is just $2.75, the same as one ride on transit. And this year, the Posner Foundation has offered to match every contribution made during our Year End Member Drive up to $10,000. Turn your $100 into $200. Turn your $500 into $1,000!
Ride with us today, and make your donation monthly! It’s time to make transit work for the people. |
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| In transit and trust,
Kelda Gorman, Pittsburghers for Public Transit Member-Leader |
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Jack! You're invited! RSVP today to join the Victory Party on December 19th!Free food! Good music! Great people! |
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PPT is a member-led UNION of transit riders, transit workers and neighbors. Join us today to help build power that moves our communities!
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Pittsburghers for Public Transit
5119 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
United States
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