Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 5, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will honor the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and celebrate “Transit Equity Day” on Sunday, Feb. 4.

MCDOT will place posters commemorating the civil rights activist and her impact on transit equity on all County Ride On buses. The posters will have a QR code directing people to the MCDOT Transit Equity Day website. The website features information about the historical and cultural significance of Transit Equity Day and rider video testimonials on the importance of transportation access.

“I am proud to honor Rosa Parks and her work championing civil rights through transit equity on this day,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Public transportation is vital to building a just and equitable society. Montgomery County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation. We have a duty to ensure all our residents have access to employment, education and vital services. Some communities have historically been denied access to opportunity through racist policies. Transit Equity Day is a time to reflect on that history and move forward with policies that uplift us all.”

Transit Equity Day is observed annually on Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, to promote public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change.

“The vast majority of transportation-generated pollution comes from cars and trucks. This pollution disproportionally affects marginalized communities,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We are encouraging transit use and are working to achieve zero-emissions from public transit by 2035 to combat climate change and improve the health of our local community.”

MCDOT is currently operating 14 zero-emission buses, with a contract to purchase 100 more within three years. The zero-emission buses are part of the County’s Climate Action Plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from County transit by 2035.

Transit Equity Day is part of a larger recognition of the contributions of Black Americans and the role of Black history in pursuit of racial justice and equality during Black History Month. Montgomery County will recognize Black employees throughout the month on the County’s X and Facebook social media channels.

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

# # #

Release ID: 24-014
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282