BYOB - Build Your Own Bus
Deacon Dave | 14.02.2006 11:09 | Ecology | Globalisation | Social Struggles | Sheffield
Fed up with endless bus fare hikes ? Heard the rumour there's another one due in March ? Frustrated at more cuts to services ? Tired of waiting for buses that don't arrive ? Most of Sheffield are angry at First Buses. Don't just moan about it however ! Take action !
14/02/06
BYOB - Build Your Own Bus
A local Sheffield group have come up with a novel solution. They are inviting people to join them on Saturday as they finish building their own bus. Made of cardboard and "people powered", they aim to take to the streets the following Saturday, stopping at bus stops to encourage passengers to avoid paying excessive fares to First Buses.
The idea for the bus came from Rhythms of Resistance, a Samba drum band based in Pitsmoor. They are part of the "We Want Our Buses Back" campaign that is demanding lower fares, better services and eventually a return to public control of Sheffield buses. They have been joined in the project by clowns from the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army.
The bus building workshops are being led by Patrick Amber, a local community artist who has led numerous art and mural workshops for both children and adults. Patrick says, "It's at times like this that we can draw on humour and our creative thinking to make real changes. We just changed First to Last.
Campaigners from "We Want Our Buses Back " are encouraging everyone to find creative ways to avoid paying First bus fares; walk, cycle, car-pool, hire a mini-bus, organise a walking bus, whatever you can think of. The idea is to gradually increase pressure on First until they are willing to negotiate with their passengers.
Outings on the People Powered Bus will include the Saturday 25th February Jobs and Services March organised by Sheffield Trades Council and the May 1st Day of Action called by "We Want Our Buses Back". Other events are being planned.
Come along to Burngreave Ashram Studio ( 27 Hallcar St. off Spital Hill) on Saturday 18th February from 12 - 6pm to help build the bus. Everyone welcome, especially children. They will also be needing at least 16 people to power the bus along the streets. Contact Dave on 0114 272 9695 if you want to get involved.
BYOB - Build Your Own Bus
A local Sheffield group have come up with a novel solution. They are inviting people to join them on Saturday as they finish building their own bus. Made of cardboard and "people powered", they aim to take to the streets the following Saturday, stopping at bus stops to encourage passengers to avoid paying excessive fares to First Buses.
The idea for the bus came from Rhythms of Resistance, a Samba drum band based in Pitsmoor. They are part of the "We Want Our Buses Back" campaign that is demanding lower fares, better services and eventually a return to public control of Sheffield buses. They have been joined in the project by clowns from the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army.
The bus building workshops are being led by Patrick Amber, a local community artist who has led numerous art and mural workshops for both children and adults. Patrick says, "It's at times like this that we can draw on humour and our creative thinking to make real changes. We just changed First to Last.
Campaigners from "We Want Our Buses Back " are encouraging everyone to find creative ways to avoid paying First bus fares; walk, cycle, car-pool, hire a mini-bus, organise a walking bus, whatever you can think of. The idea is to gradually increase pressure on First until they are willing to negotiate with their passengers.
Outings on the People Powered Bus will include the Saturday 25th February Jobs and Services March organised by Sheffield Trades Council and the May 1st Day of Action called by "We Want Our Buses Back". Other events are being planned.
Come along to Burngreave Ashram Studio ( 27 Hallcar St. off Spital Hill) on Saturday 18th February from 12 - 6pm to help build the bus. Everyone welcome, especially children. They will also be needing at least 16 people to power the bus along the streets. Contact Dave on 0114 272 9695 if you want to get involved.
Deacon Dave
e-mail:
deacondave@onetel.com
Homepage:
http://www.wewantourbusesback.com/