Moving Forward Together: Transit Equity Day
Every year on February 4, we celebrate Transit Equity Day. This date marks the birthday of Rosa Parks , a civil rights icon who famously refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in 1955. Her courage helped launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott and changed the course of American history.
However, Rosa Parks wasn’t alone. Nine months earlier, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin also stood her ground and refused to give up her seat on the bus. These leaders proved that public transit is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It is about access to opportunity.
When transit is fair and reliable, it opens doors for everyone in our community. At LTD, we believe a bus ride is a connection to:
- Jobs: Helping people reach work to support their families.
- Education: Giving students a way to get to class and learn.
- Healthcare: Ensuring everyone can reach doctors and pharmacies.
- Housing: Expanding connectivity between neighborhoods.
Transit Equity Day is a time to reflect on our history and the work still ahead. You can honor this legacy right here in our community. Visit the bronze statue of Rosa Parks at the corner of Eugene Station, or take the EmX to Springfield to explore the Rosa Parks Bike Corridor that runs parallel to the line. These landmarks remind us that every ride is progress towards a more equitable community.
