Transit Equity Day
In February of each year, transit agencies across the nation commemorate Transit Equity Day.
What is Transit Equity Day?
Transit Equity Day, Tuesday, February 4, is a National Day of Action, recognizing the courageous acts of civil rights icon, Rosa Parks, and highlighting the importance of equitable public transit.
This year, Hampton Roads Transit will celebrate the following week on Monday, February 10, 2025, by offering free fare on all bus, light rail, ferry, paratransit, and OnDemand Rideshare services in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday.
Rosa Parks and the History of Transit Equity
On Thursday, December 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of the bus to a white passenger after the “whites only” section became full. Parks’ actions led to her arrest, resulting in the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, inspiring other initiatives, and advancing the civil rights movement. In November 1956, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment ruled bus segregation unconstitutional, later ending the bus boycott.
When remembering Parks, also consider Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old from Montgomery who refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white woman on March 2, 1955. Colvin was dragged off the bus by police, handcuffed, and thrown in jail for standing up for her right to access public transit.
Parks’ and Colvin’s right to travel on public transit was about more than the seat. It was about the freedom to travel to work, school or play unconstrained by the biases of others. HRT stands in support of these concepts and embraces their memories as it works to provide public transit for all citizens.
“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true,”
– Rosa Parks
How HRT Recognizes Transit Equity Day:
Bus Headlights
HRT bus headlights run all day, as a symbol of the light Rosa Parks brought to the world.
Reserved Seats
A front seat of every HRT bus will have an honorary reserved sign for Rosa Parks.
Transit Equity Day is one of four free fare days offered annually by Hampton Roads Transit, including Earth Day (April 22, 2025), Juneteenth (June 19, 2025), and Election Day (November 4, 2025). Hampton Roads residents are encouraged to join HRT and experience the convenience of public transit on us.