In memory of one of the most recognizable civil rights figures, February 4 Transit Equity Day is celebrated on the birthday of Rosa Parks. Parks helped launch the civil rights movement in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat on a public transit bus.
Today, Transit Equity Day is a day of action highlighting the efforts of transit providers, labor unions, and climate justice advocates to promote equity in public transportation. Public transit systems across the country are observing the day across the country.
East Coast
In Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration decided to offer free rides across all services including local bus, light rail, metro subway, MARC train, mobility, and commuter bus.
“Marylanders deserve equitable and reliable public transit,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “On Transit Equity Day, the Maryland Department of Transportation honors the brave legacy of Rosa Parks and continues to work toward making our transit system more inclusive and convenient across the state.
Southern U.S.
WeGo Public Transit in Nashville, Tennessee is also commemorating Transit Equity Day. They are offering a ceremonial bus ride, transit center tour and job fair.
Northern Midwest
The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) in Michigan will be recognizing the bravery of Rosa Parks by reserving a seat on each of its buses to symbolize her actions.
“While Transit Equity Day is observed annually; this year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery bus boycott and 20 years since Ms. Parks’ passing,” Jeff Pfeifer, Manager of Public Affairs and Community Engagement said. “Ms. Parks’ actions were monumental in making transportation more equitable for all, and we want to honor the transformative impact she had on people across the country.”
TheRide asks riders to respect the reserved seat and join it in honoring Parks.
West Coast
In California, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro), Metrolink, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Riverside County Transportation (RCTC) and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), are working together to offer free rides.
The free rides will be available on buses, trains, and other public transportation services. Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and all other Ventura County Transit operators will observe Transit Equity Day on February 5 with free rides.
“Every single resident of LA County should know that they can step onto a Metro bus or train and expect to get where they’re going safely and reliably," said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. "Transit Equity Day is our opportunity to remind even those who are not regular riders that this system is here to serve them, and that we’re committed to providing a world-class service accessible to everyone.”
Other Agencies
Keep an eye on your local transit agency to see if they are doing anything to commemorate Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. Agencies across the country are holding their own events and you may be able to participate in one of them.
Transit equity is more than just a single day, keeping fares affordable, incorporating equity-focused planning, enhancing mobility for everyone, and committing to environmental justice are just a few ways that transit companies work every single day to make transit fair for everyone.
Got photos from this year's Transit Equity Day events? Send them to karl.jones@bobit.com so that they can be included in an upcoming photo gallery!
