Public Transit Agencies Honor Local Black Historical Figures

In celebration of Black History Month (February), public transit agencies across the U.S. are honoring black employees past and present who left a mark on public transportation in their communities.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), WI, presented a proclamation in honor of Jack Patterson, the first black bus driver in Milwaukee, hired in 1945 by Wisconsin Electric Railway and Transport Company (now MCTS).

Patterson paved the way for generations of black transit professionals, breaking barriers at a time when opportunities were limited. MCTS presented the proclamation to Patterson’s great-niece, Loreal, at a recent ceremony.

The North County Transit District (NCTD), Oceanside, CA, announces the proclamation of Crystal Trent Day on Feb. 25. Trent currently serves as supervisor of operations for COASTER commuter rail and made history as the first black woman to serve as a locomotive engineer in San Diego County.

“NCTD is proud to recognize Crystal for breaking barriers in our industry and is appreciative of the support of the San Diego City Council,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD chief executive officer. “The success of our organization is centered in the incredible contributions of our employees by ensuring there is an environment for all to be unapologetically authentic.”

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) held an event recently to honor eight black men that played a key part in the transportation industry and social change. Up until the mid-1940s and at a time when the black population in Philadelphia was growing substantially, African Americans were unable to work as streetcar drivers and were instead routinely relegated to unskilled labor positions.

That changed on Aug. 1, 1944, when eight black men were promoted to streetcar drivers or conductors, at a time when there was a labor shortage due to the company’s white employees being called to serve in the Second World War. By October 1944, the number of black trolley drivers had doubled.

“At SEPTA, we know we are the drivers of access for our diverse communities,” said Interim General Manager Scott Sauer. “Our vision is for transit to be at the core of a resilient, prosperous, safe, and equitable community for all.”

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is honoring a number of its black historical figures during Black History Month. In 1974, Mary Wallace made history as the first woman to drive a CTA bus. The Englewood native remained on the job for 33 years before retiring.

Betty Jones was the first woman at CTA to move into the classification of “collector of fares”—a job of helping bus drivers collect fares at heavy boarding points during rush hours. Jones, who was 27 at the time, had a perfect driving record of more than a year as one of the agency’s first women bus drivers.

Chicago Cubs legend, Ernie Banks (nicknamed Mr. Cub) was a CTA board member from 1969 to 1981. He was still an active Cubs player when he joined the CTA Board.

Among those honored by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is Robert P. Madison, Ohio’s first black registered architect.

Madison helped shape Cleveland’s public transit with his firm’s designs for the Euclid Avenue HealthLine bus stations and Waterfront Line rail stations. His work transformed the city’s transit infrastructure, blending functionality with beauty and highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping public spaces.

This Black History Month, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is honoring Freddie Sawyer, New Orleans’ first black bus driver. His pioneering spirit transformed the transit system and left a lasting legacy of courage and progress.