LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Group Seeks to Block MTA Fare Hike as Discriminatory
A group of community activist organizations Wednesday filed suit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, alleging that higher bus fares scheduled to start today violate civil rights protections by unfairly penalizing minorities.
The organizations have asked for a temporary restraining order to block the new fare structure from going into effect. Under a system adopted in July, basic fares will go from $1.10 to $1.35--the first hike in six years--and general monthly passes will be eliminated.
In the class-action lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that the new system disproportionately affects poor residents, who make up the majority of the MTA’s ridership and who are mostly ethnic minorities.
U.S. District Court Judge Terry Hatter is expected to rule this morning on the request for a temporary restraining order.
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