If workers ran public transport …

Venue: Birkbeck College, London

Well-resourced, accessible, safe public transport would be a key component of the infrastructure of a sustainable, rationally-run society. But capitalism is not making such a great job of it. Transport is generally inadequate, profit-driven, understaffed, and not as safe or reliable as it could be. Private transport dominates, and damages the environment and public health. Many of those who travel or work on our beleaguered public transport reckon we could run it much better than the politicians, profiteers and managers who run it now.

Janine will begin this workshop, looking in particular at the experience of London Underground, and arguing for expanded public transport, publicly-owned and accountable through a workers’ and passengers’ plan.

Toronto-based socialist and transport trade unionist Herman Rosenfeld will provide a video presentation on how public transit might look different in the Canadian context, in a socialist society, emphasising the interrelationships with jobs and other components of working-class life, and the role of worker control / planning / self-management. 

There will then be plenty of time for questions and discussion, with replies from Janine and Herman (via Skype).

Part of Workers’ Liberty’s ‘Ideas For Freedom’ discussion weekend.