The City of Albuquerque is marking Transit Equity Day on February 4, coinciding with Rosa Parks’ birthday, by highlighting the legacy of the civil rights leader who famously refused to give up her bus seat more than 70 years ago. The city’s public transit agency, ABQ RIDE, will honor Parks with tributes on its Rapid Transit (ART) buses and through educational outreach at local schools.
Mayor Tim Keller said, “Everyone deserves the freedom public transportation provides. Continuing Rosa Parks’ legacy through our zero-fare program ensures that everyone can ride.”
On Transit Equity Day, a special tribute to Rosa Parks will be displayed on all Route 766 and 777 ART buses. ART service represents about 30 percent of ABQ RIDE’s total ridership, serving more than 6,000 daily riders. Passengers are encouraged to reflect on Parks’ impact and share their thoughts online using #ISitWithRosa.
Transit Director Leslie Keener noted Albuquerque’s approach: “Albuquerque is unique in that not only is everyone welcome on the bus, they’re also welcome to ride for free. If you sit on what that means for a moment and reflect, we have come such a long way. Riding the bus can save people thousands of dollars, connect them citywide with 24 bus routes, transport them innovatively with free microtransit and paratransit services, contribute to environmental well-being by ridesharing and reducing the number of vehicles on the streets, and more.”
ABQ RIDE staff will visit Zuni, Longfellow, and Lew Wallace schools as part of Transit Equity Day activities. Neema Pickett from the Office of Equity and Inclusion will lead interactive presentations connecting civil rights history with current transportation equity issues. The sessions conclude with a song related to the day’s significance and a commemorative bus ride.
Neema Pickett stated: “I continue to draw motivation for all the ways we gather to point the path for equitable solutions for all. As we prepare the future generations of activists, I am reminded of the spirit of Rosa Parks that lives in each of us. I lift up every young and elder woman who ever walked a mile in her shoes through the brutal heat of the south, fire hoses tearing their skin, attacks from law enforcement and unthinkable crimes against our humanity. Transit Equity Day, which not only celebrates Rosa’s birthday but also is part of celebration of Black History Month, is one of many reminders to us and our youth to continue to confront systems of oppression now more than ever.”
Information about Transit Equity Day events is available at ABQRIDE.com.
ABQ RIDE states its mission as providing safe, clean, reliable transportation for Albuquerque residents. The Office of Equity and Inclusion aims to make Albuquerque a national example in racial equity and social justice.
