A rally was held Wednesday morning by CALPIRG, a nonprofit organization, at the Wilshire/Western subway and bus stop in support of Metro’s 30/10 Initiative.

The rally was one of many in an ongoing process aimed at pushing Congress to vote in favor of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s transit plan.

The Metro’s 30/10 Initiative would use federal loans secured by tax revenues to hasten the building process of 12 Measure R transit projects from 30 years to just 10 years.

Supporters say the benefits presented with 30/10 are unmatchable. It would create up to 160,000 new, well paid construction jobs - according to Move LA, an organization campaigning for the success of 30/10.

Even more, it would ultimately result in less vehicle mileage – which translates to significantly less pollution and a decrease in traffic.

CALPIRG boasted the support of more than 320 businesses, all of whom are in favor of this plan. Furthermore, the majority of Los Angeles residents voted in favor of using these taxes to jump start the project.    

National support is needed for this to pass in Congress, and organizations such as CALPIRG and MoveLA will continue to build backing until Villaraigosa’s plan becomes reality.

To reach reporter Shakira Keller, click here.