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Riders’ strike back

With very likely TTC fare hike looming, commuters seem to be more and more pissed by the day. And some of those unhappy commuters are now hoping the anger will reach a boiling point this Friday for a city-wide riders’ strike.

Close to 3,000 riders, so far, are pledging on Facebook to take some time away from hoarding mounds of tokens and swiping those Metropasses to boycott the TTC. That could mean up to $10,000 in revenue missed.

But it’s more message than economic impact.

“Be conspicuous by your absence! Show the TTC that without us, there’d be no better way,” reads the Facebook page, “It’s the easiest protest you’ve never attended.”

With only a very small fraction of commuters, out of the 1.5 million who ride the rocket daily, planning to avoid paying fares, however, it’s unlikely that there will be a noticeable difference. Especially when considering the number of boycotters who may have Metropasses anyhow.

Organizers of the strike are encouraging riders to bike and share rides for the day, which seems simple enough, but still a tall order for many who rely on the TTC every day to travel longer distances. There is also a page to lobby local governments for more transit funding.

But is it still a good idea? It certainly beats sitting around and waiting, all shaky-fisty, foldy-army, as the fare hikes look more like a reality in the new year. And as the TTC start limiting token purchases to just five per person this week, the strike is happening just as commuters are getting most fed up.

There may not be empty streetcars and subway stations come Friday, but with media coverage and viral marketing, the point the strike organizers wanted to make has already been made.

The real question is whether or not the TTC listening. That gets answered next Tuesday, when it meets to discuss the fare hikes at City Hall.[rssbreak]

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