The Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors held its first meeting on Thursday since last week’s light rail yard massacre, a very emotional gathering that included mourning, reflection and many demands from the public.
Board members, under pressure to tear down the buildings were nine employees were killed last week before a gunman took his own life, heard numerous calls to boost the pay of transit workers.
"Thank you so much for recognizing the fallen with your words and public showing of emotion just now," said Nathan Swedlow with the People’s Transit Alliance. "It truly is a devastating time. It’s time that this board approve back hazard pay for all VTA transit workers now. If there was ever a time to do more than pay lip service to the heroics of our frontline transit workers, that time is now."
There were calls for top VTA executives to resign and calls to reinstate light rail service immediately, which has been stalled since the massacre and likely won’t be restored for "weeks or months."
Board Chairman Glenn Hendrix emotional tribute to the fall and workers in a haiku. "Smiles are powerful. Give happiness to others. Share much joy with them," he said.
The first of nine funerals was held on Thursday.
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