Transit agencies are fighting with one hand tied behind their back
Politically organizing riders is complicated for transit agencies but essential for bigger victories
JUN 9, 2023
Millions of people take transit everyday throughout the US, but federal, state, and local governments do not provide commensurate funding so that transit agencies can improve service. If more people ride the New York Subway each year than fly in all of America, why then do ALL transit agencies across America together only get about 25% more federal funds than the aviation sector? If there are so many voters riding on transit, why do transit agencies have to plead with governments to get emergency lifeline funding, let alone robust funding to spur transformational growth?
One big reason is because riders are not politically engaged. When transit agencies lobby elected officials, they are doing it without one of their most important and potentially powerful allies. They might have some business interests, some environmental groups and some community leaders speaking out on their side– but there is no group in the conversation with the ability to move big chunks of the electorate. If elected officials thought voters would reward or punish them for their transit votes, elected officials would vote differently.
It takes a lot of work, time, expertise, patience, and funds for transit riders to self-organize into a powerful rider union. But transit agencies are uniquely positioned to quickly politically engage and mobilize their ridership. However, transit agencies are overly hesitant to do so and are politically struggling because of that hesitancy.
For example, right now, transit agencies across California are in the political fight for their lives but when you get on BART or the bus or are waiting at the station there are no signs and no announcements about the ordeal. I’ve flyered at bus and BART stations about the potential service cuts from the fiscal cliff and almost none of the riders I’ve spoken with have heard a thing about the issue and were shocked to learn about it.
It’s understandable that transit agencies might feel more comfortable shielding riders from information about the financial tumult they are facing, put on a happy face at the station or on the bus and pretend everything is ok. But that just leaves transit riders in the dark about the risks to the riders’ own mobility options and it leaves the riders politically disengaged. Transit agencies are leaving a huge political ally off the playing field.
While transit agencies, board directors and some communications staff are comfortable putting out stronger messaging on social media, in speeches, or in the occasional press release– that is a far cry from systemically politically engaging ridership. The typical rider does not see that. What the rider would see is a clear sign at the station or on transit with information and a call-to-action for the rider to take.
Occasionally there are legal limitations on the political organizing a transit agency can do, and they might feel a bit awkward openly trying to mobilize its ridership to pressure a politician who can be a key vote. It might feel more comfortable and safer to have these conversations in private lobbying meetings, in boardrooms and in the press– but look where that’s gotten us.
Transit agencies need to get bolder and there are a wide variety of messaging strategies agencies can use to push the envelope without crossing the line. Maybe it’s not ok for California transit agencies to have signs at every station saying “Governor Newsom is forcing future service cuts by withholding key transit funding, call his office at (916) 445-2841 and tell him to support transit.” But, what about “Transit agencies across California may be forced to reduce service due to budget issues. Lawmakers are setting the state’s budget now, you can voice your opinion at XXXX.” They can even be a bit more subtle and put up something generic like, “A healthy democracy depends on residents speaking out! Call your lawmaker today and tell them about your priorities.”
By not politically informing and engaging riders, transit agencies are leaving political power on the table. Sometimes, transit riders unions step into that void, other times it is the transit worker unions. But the agencies have a unique position and unique capabilities to engage ridership in the broader political effort to improve the lives of the riders and all community members.
Agencies don’t have to politically engage riders by flyering, or with banner drops, or political street theater– but if they want to win bigger, they need to be bolder in their efforts to get riders to speak out.
Want to discuss ways your transit agency can help get its ridership more politically informed and engaged? Let’s chat– email me at Carter@carterlavin.com to schedule a conversation.