Beginning in 2005, Public Advocates represented a class of AC Transit bus riders of color in a challenge to the Bay Area’s transportation funding agency, alleging that the agency prioritized funds for the expansion of rail service for higher-income commuters, with the effect of reducing bus service for low-income riders of color. While the courts found that MTC’s $13 billion transit expansion program had a disproportionate harmful impact on low income riders, it also found that the agency had “substantial reason” for its practices. Nevertheless, the case brought attention to discriminatory funding practices and through coalition advocacy Public Advocacy succeeded in winning a new revenue stream dedicated to transit operations in 2014, and pushed passage of a bill that more than doubled the State Transit Assistance program.