Here is why transit workers are supporting PPT’s work

Image description: image shows PPT Member and PRT Transit Worker Sascha Craig wearing a neon yellow jacket. Next to him is a quote that he said during an interview, “At PPT, Transit riders and transit workers roll together. We’re not letting the system divide us and we’re building power.” In the background is a photo of County Executive-Elect Sara Innamorato from the bus ride-along that Sascha helped coordinate with PPT.

“At PPT, Transit riders and transit workers roll together. We’re not letting the system divide us and we’re building power.” – Sascha Craig, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 Member and PPT Member

Image description: illustration from PPT artist Neve Monroe-Anderson shows 5 people standing together on top of a bus holding signs. One of them is a transit worker. One is wearing a PPT t-shirt. One is in a wheelchair.

Here at PPT, transit riders and transit workers ride together.

Together, we are laying out a vision – and developing the plan – for a transit service that truly serves us and meets all our region’s needs. With a new County Executive taking the helm, there has never been a greater opportunity to turn this bus around, but to win, we need you.

Hello!

I’m Sascha Craig and I’m proud to have worked at Pittsburgh Regional Transit now for almost 33 years. But transit is not just important to me; my family and community are full of both transit workers and transit riders who need our system to succeed. That’s why, during this year’s election for our next Allegheny County Executive, the stakes were too high for us to sit on the sidelines. 

The County Exec is the single most powerful elected official when it comes to our region’s transit. The County Exec controls appointments to PRT’s Board of Directors, they set policy and direct a budget of hundreds of millions of dollars meant to keep Allegheny County moving. With so much power on the ballot for Election Day, it was clear we had to organize, educate and elect a true transit champion as our next leader.

This year, PPT invited the County Exec candidates to ride the bus with transit riders and transit workers like me to hear firsthand the issues we face. We sent each of the candidates a questionnaire about their transit priorities and mailed out those answers to thousands of County residents. We mobilized riders and workers in every corner of Allegheny County to #VoteTransit on Election Day – and our efforts paid off. 

But the hardest work is yet to come! And that’s why I’m asking you to take action and become an active member of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. The opportunity to shape the future of transit in Allegheny County is truly at hand, but we’re going to need everyone to achieve the transit justice we deserve. Here at PPT, we ride together, and that means with you.

In Solidarity,

Sascha Craig

Your PPT Membership dues and involvement are critical as our new County Executive takes office.

Can you join the network of transit riders and transit workers who are moving our County forward by becoming a member or renewing your membership today?

Image description: full illustration of Neve Monroe-Anderson’s illustration shows 6 people standing on top of a bus holding signs and flags cheering for PPT. Text is overlaid on the bus that says “We Ride Together”.

PPT knows how to party! Join our Transit Justice Victory Party on 12/15, 7-11pm at East End Cooperative Ministries. Free dinner and dancing. Bring your people.