The leader of the global Amalgamated Transit Union, headquartered in Washington, D.C., said the violence that’s spreading through the streets of Brazil is a good example of solidarity and citizens’ action, and that the United States might soon see the same.
The Brazilian protests — which has spilled up to 1 million into the streets, leading to clashes with police, arrests and injuries, and at least one death — show “what can be achieved by standing strong together to fight against bus and subway fare hikes,” said Larry Hanley, president of the ATU, which represents transportation workers around the world.
The same could occur in the United States if the government doesn’t start giving more subsidies for transportation expenses, he said, Watchdog.org reported.
“The Brazilian protests should also serve as a warning to all politicians that they will jeopardize their own political future if they ignore the needs of the burgeoning number of public transportation users in the United States and Canada,” Mr. Hanley said in the Watchdog.org report.
Protesters began rallying in Brazil a week ago, in part due to a scheduled transit fare increase that will fund system improvements, in anticipation of heavier demand during next year’s World Cup.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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