Members of United Interfaith Action (UIA) held a structured meeting with representatives of the Southeast Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA) at Baressi Heights apartments on Pleasant Street on March 31, 2008. Organized to solicit responses on a number of proposed changes to the current bus system, including reductions in fares, elimination of zones and transfers, and issuance of $15 monthly passes for senior and the disabled, the meeting drew together over thirty citizens to listen as various proposals were offered. While easy fixes were not forthcoming, agreement was reached with officials to continue exploration of possible changes. UIA is a congregation-based community improvement organization that has been active in Fall River for nearly ten years. Leaders and clergy of the Alpha and Omega Church, Christ is Life, First Baptist Church, St. Anne's Parish, St. Joseph Parish, St. Mary Parish, Union United Methodist and United Parish make up the organization. Click here for the Herald News story about the meeting. For more information about UIA, contact Paul Graham at  508-673-4670.
 

(Top row, left) Southeast Regional Transportation Authority Adminstrator Joe Cosentino, center, describes some of the challenges of managing the Fall River public bus system in response to some of the testimony given during the meeting. (Top row, middle) As Fall River Youth Outreach workers Jordohn Bileau and First Baptist Church member Barbara Berry listen, Chairperson Donna Morrell of St. Joseph's Parish opens the meeting by explaining the format of the presentations and responses. (Top row, right) Fall River Housing Authority Youth Services Director Joseph DaSilva and Towne House staff member Kate Marin listens as UIA organizer Paul Graham makes a point. (Middle row, left) Julie McGlynn of St. Anne's Parish describes the challenges she faces with paying for school transportation for her children. (Middle row, center) Union United Methodist pastor James Blair makes a pitch for Sunday bus service. (Middle row, right) United Neighbors Executive Director Jenny DiBlasi presents the results of a recent survey of SRTA bus riders. (Bottom row, left) SRPEDD staffer Linda Lally talks about how funding is allocated as SRTA executive secretary Jane Kirby and Joe Cosentino listen. (Bottom row center) Carol Coie of St. Mary's Cathedral applauds as Mr. Cosentino agrees to continue working with UIA on improvements to the bus system. (Bottom row, right) Herald News reporter Michael Holtzman interviews Ms. Morrell following the meeting.