Sierra Club Celebrates Transit Equity Day Alongside Labor Network for Sustainability

Oakland, CA -- Today, in honor of Rosa Parks’ legacy and in support of access to public transit as a civil right and strategy to combat climate change, community, labor, and environmental organizations in cities across the nation are taking action for transit equity. The national day of action is intended to uplift local work happening across the country.

This is the third Transit Equity Day, which commemorates civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ birthday. Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus in 1955 was a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the civil rights movement, affirming that everyone has the right to equal access to public transit.

For a full list of sponsoring and endorsing organizations, visit Transit Equity Day.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

“Transit Equity Day is an opportunity to once again honor Rosa Parks and ensure that every person and community is treated equally. Right now, communities across the country are working to grow transportation systems powered by 100% clean energy but we cannot leave any community behind. While transportation is the biggest driver of climate-disrupting pollution in our country, communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change are the same ones currently underserved by existing transit options. The work to shift us to 100% electric buses powered by clean energy in cities across the nation must go hand in hand with making our public transit systems more affordable, reliable and safe so that everyone can benefit.”