Celebrating Rosa Parks

Public transit agencies across the U.S. are celebrating Rosa Parks Day, Feb. 4, with free rides and community events. This year would have been Parks’ 113^th birthday.

In Denver, CO, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is offering zero-fare service systemwide on Feb. 4. Customers are encouraged to ride RTD bus and rail, as well as FlexRide, Access-a-Ride, and Access on Demand services at no cost throughout the day. As part of this year’s observance, RTD will also install commemorative seat signage on buses systemwide to recognize Parks. Signage placement is tailored to each bus model and will not block access to seating.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is honoring Rosa Parks on her birthday by reserving a seat for her on every bus and train across the system. The agency is placing signs on trains and buses, reserving a single seat in recognition of Parks. This year also marks the 21^st anniversary of Metro’s historic Rosa Parks bus. The commemorative bus is the same model she protested on and was refurbished in 2005 after Parks’ death.

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO), CA, is proud to announce that all bus service will be free to riders countywide Feb. 4 to honor the birthday of Rosa Parks. Riders can board any METRO bus — local, Highway 17 Express, or ParaCruz — at no cost. The free-fare day aims to encourage more residents to try transit, reduce transportation barriers, and spotlight the role METRO plays in supporting access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community services.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is celebrating the day by offering free rides on Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, Commuter Bus and Mobility services.

In Los Angeles, CA, Metrolink, the region’s six-county passenger rail provider, will once again offer free rides on Feb. 4 in honor of Parks. Riders may board without a ticket at any of Metrolink’s 67 stations and travel systemwide, including on the Arrow service.

North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD), CA, is joining other public transportation agencies around the country in recognizing Parks by offering free rides. Riders can use all NCTD modes – COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE, FLEX, NCTD+ and LIFT – free of charge for the entire day on February 4.

TriMet, Portland, OR, is fare free Feb. 4 to honor Rosa Parks. No fares will be collected for the annual day of remembrance. This year marks TriMet’s sixth-straight observance of Rosa Parks Day. This day of fare-free service is also an opportunity to rediscover the ease and convenience of the transit system. TriMet provides bus, MAX light rail, WES commuter rail and LIFT paratransit services.

In honor of Rosa Parks, C-TRAN, Vancouver, WA, is offering free service across its entire system Feb. 4. Fares will not be collected on any C-TRAN Local, Regional, or Express route. The Current and C-VAN will also provide free service.

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (Wheels), CA, is commemorating the birthday of Rosa Parks by reserving the front seat of its buses with commemorative signage.

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is waiving transit fares Feb. 4. Riders can ride at no charge on all RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries.

On Chatham Area Transit’s, Savannah, GA, fixed-route and mobility paratransit vehicles Feb. 4, passengers will see signs reading “This Seat is Dedicated to the Memory of Rosa Parks.”

In Lake County, OH, Laketran is honoring Parks through a weeklong tribute. From Feb. 1-7, the agency is reserving the front seat on buses with a commemorative sign reading: “Reserved for Rosa Parks. To help the community participate, the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Cares initiative is sponsoring free All-Day bus passes.