Transit Equity Day is celebrated nationwide on February 4, in honor of civil rights activist Rosa Parks’ birthday. Ms. Parks’ protest went beyond her right to a bus seat. She raised awareness of the fact that access to transit service is as essential as electricity or running water, enabling people to travel to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and recreation.
Several of Virginia’s transit providers are making strides toward more equitable service. For example, Alexandria’s DASH Bus ridership levels have soared to historic levels as a result of free fares and increased service frequency. DASH is also a state leader in the transition to battery electric buses. Loudoun County Transit is considering free fares. But we have a long way to go to sufficiently serve all who rely on transit. Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) is facing a $750 million fiscal cliff. Without dedicated funding from Virginia, Maryland and D.C., WMATA will have to slash service, threatening the stability of our area’s economy, the lives of people who depend on public transportation, and all of us who rely on the workers who are transit dependent.
Transit equity is a civil right. Virginia needs to move toward safer, more reliable, environmentally sustainable, and affordable transit that is accessible to all. Let’s encourage our decision makers and elected officials to prioritize transit funding and policies that embody the spirit of Rosa Parks’ advocacy.