Transit

San Jose Transit Strike Continues Despite Judicial Setback, Governor Urges Renewed Talks

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San Jose, Calif. — The ongoing strike involving the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA) employees entered its second week with no immediate end in sight, despite a local judge’s refusal to issue an injunction that would have halted the strike temporarily. This decision unfolded in a Santa Clara County courtroom on Monday, underscoring the depth of the impasse facing the transportation sector in the region. Hundreds of transit workers, who have ceased work since last week, gathered for a rally outside the VTA headquarters on Monday, the same day the judge denied the transit … Read more

Former Metro Transit Officers Allege Racism, Seek Reinstatement in Explosive Lawsuit

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Minneapolis, MN – A recent lawsuit against the Metropolitan Council has put a spotlight on alleged discriminatory practices within its Metro Transit Police Department. The legal action accuses former Chief of Police Eddie Frizell of racial and sexist discrimination towards two former officers, allegedly to cater to certain biases within the department. Brooke Blakey and Sidney Jones, both former officers of the Metro Transit Police, are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. They claim they were unfairly targeted and disciplined by Frizell, who was purportedly motivated by personal ambitions of furthering his career, with sights set … Read more

Oregon’s Public Transit War on Drugs: New Law Turns Buses and Trains into ‘Safe Zones’ with Tough Penalties for Onboard Drug Use

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Salem, Oregon — Oregon has taken a significant step to curtail illegal drug use on public transit by classifying such activities as a crime under the state law known as Interfering with Public Transportation. This legislative change, effected through the recent approval of Senate Bill 1553, categorizes the ingestion, inhalation, or any method of drug consumption on transit vehicles as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties that could include nearly a year in jail or fines up to $6,250. The enactment of this policy came into effect on January 1, 2025, marking a stringent shift … Read more

Minnesota Ushers in 2025 with Groundbreaking Laws and Green Transit Innovations

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St. Paul, MN — A slew of new Minnesota laws rolled out on January 1, ranging from consumer protection measures against hidden service fees to health coverage mandates, including the cost of wigs for cancer patients. The turn of the year also ushered in regulations aimed at improving tenant rights and public safety, such as setting a minimum apartment heat requirement during cold months and banning the sale of “binary triggers” for firearms. Among the noteworthy consumer-oriented legislations, Minnesotans will now benefit from more transparent pricing in the entertainment sector, particularly concerning concert tickets. Such … Read more