Transit Equity Day

While public transportation may be available in some larger urban areas in the US, as a general rule, people who do not drive or own cars are at a distinct disadvantage across the nation.

Buses and railway systems are spotty at best, making it difficult to get to work or to other places. Although public transport is a more environmentally friendly choice, the sytems throughout the country are in deep need of upgrades to make them more user-friendly and accessible.

Transit Equity Day is here to celebrate the strides that have been made in making public transportation accessible to anyone.

And it’s also an important time to consider what ways cities and towns can re-think their infrastructures to promote better service and access for everyone!

History of Transit Equity Day

The first Transit Equity Day was celebrated in 2017, situated on this date as a nod to an icon in the world of equality, Rosa Parks.

Parks was instrumental in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, which was a critical catalyst for ending segregation on public transportation that led to a landmark US Supreme Court decision in 1956.

The event is scheduled to be celebrated annually on the anniversary of Parks’ birth on February 4, 1913.

Sometimes referred to as Transit Equality Day, this event is meant to not only show appreciation for those who have fought to end discrimination but also act as a reminder to promote equality in communities through better access to public transportation.

How to Celebrate Transit Equity Day

Get creative with ways to celebrate Transit Equity Day, starting with some of these ideas:

Take a Ride on Public Transportation

One great way to get involved with Transit Equity Day is to hop on the bus and take a trip somewhere. In some cities, this day is celebrated by offering free rides on public transportation to anyone.

So check out a map of the local routes and celebrate making the world a more equitable place by heading out.

Advocate for Transit Equity

Many organizations and advocacy groups encourage people to get involved with Transit Equity Day by using their voices to advocate for better public transportation.

From signing a petition to contacting local government representatives, this is a great time to speak up about the need to take better care of the earth and meet the needs of individual travelers through better public transportation efforts.

Listen to a Transit Equity Day Playlist

Get inspired on Transit Equity Day by a playlist full of tunes created along the theme of public transportation!

Get on Spotify, Apple Music or another favorite platform and build a list of songs that include lyrics about transportation and travel. Get started with a few of these:

• The Ballad of Momma Rosa Parks by The Baytown Singers (1963)
• Magic Bus by The Who (1968)
• Spadina Bus by The Shuffle Demons (1986)
• The National Express by The Divine Comedy (1998)

Other events that are celebrated in relation to Transit Equity Day include Rosa Parks Day on December 1, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 20, and Ethnic Equality Month in February.