MCDOT Posts Placards On Ride On Buses in December to Honor Rosa Parks

For Immediate Release: Friday, November 29, 2024

Rosa Parks was an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on Dec. 1, 1955. Her actions inspired the local Black community to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The boycott kicked off on Dec. 1, lasted more than a year, and ended only when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. The year of the boycott was filled with hardship for the Black community, many of whom were dependent on buses for transportation. Parks lost her job and experienced harassment but became a nationally recognized representation of dignity and strength in the fight to end racial segregation.

Annually, December 1 is remembered as Rosa Parks Day.

Park’s role highlighted racism in the public transit system and ignited change. It affirmed that transportation equity is a civil right and highlighted the importance and great responsibility that all transit departments have to ensure that all residents are served equitably.

At the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, everything we do is measured through a lens of equity. Bus fares have been reduced to $1, from the $2 pre-pandemic fare, to make transit more affordable and the department honors local programs providing free rides to seniors, people with disabilities, and county youth.

Throughout December, MCDOT will commemorate her legacy by placing special interior bus cards across the entire Ride On bus fleet, consisting of nearly 400 buses. Additionally, a designated seat on each bus will pay tribute to Ms. Parks’ historic act of courage.

Learn more about Rosa Parks and additional efforts MCDOT takes to ensure equity by visiting the MCDOT website.

For the most up-to-date bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.  

For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.  

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Release ID: 24-150
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282