Jaime N. Phillips

This research paper examines the community outreach and organizing techniques used by transit riders unions in the United States and recommends lessons for transit advocates.

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The paper focuses on transit riders unions in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. The unions in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland specifically focus on transit-dependent, low-income, and/or minority riders and use traditional community organizing techniques. One of the most effective is organizing directly on buses. The union in San Francisco has seen less success, potentially due to multiple transit agencies operating in San Francisco and conflict-averse tactics.