The Council of the District of Columbia has proclaimed February 4, 2025, as Transit Equity Day to honor the legacy of Rosa Parks and to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring an equitable, accessible, and reliable public transit system for all residents and visitors. This resolution highlights the historical significance of public transit in the civil rights movement, particularly the actions of Rosa Parks and other key figures who fought against racial segregation in transportation. It acknowledges that, despite the legal end of segregation, disparities in access to public transit based on various factors such as race, income, and disability continue to exist.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of public transit as a vital infrastructure that supports economic, social, and environmental well-being in the District. It calls for improvements in paratransit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, as well as a commitment to safety and sustainability in transportation. The Council aims to collaborate with regional partners to enhance the public transit system, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a just transition to a more equitable and environmentally friendly transportation network.