Arlington Transit Celebrates Transit Equity Day with a Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

February 04, 2024

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, Arlington Transit (ART) is proud to join the nation in celebrating Transit Equity Day.

Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks’ Legacy: Transit Equity Day, observed on February 4th each year, honors Rosa Parks, whose act of defiance in 1955 catalyzed a significant social movement against racial segregation. Parks’ refusal to conform with discriminatory policies on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama, mirrors the core principle of transit equity – ensuring fair and accessible transportation for everyone.

County Transportation Bureau Chief Lynn Rivers, overseeing Arlington Transit Operations and Planning, has a unique tie to Rosa Parks’ legacy. As the first African American woman to serve as the general manager of a transit agency in Alabama, Parks’ home state, Rivers emphasizes the progress made in opening doors for all.

“This weekend, I invite everyone to reflect on how far we’ve come to open doors for more people, and how now the bus is a place for everyone,” Rivers said.

Equity in Decision Making: Under Lynn Rivers’ leadership, Arlington Transit continues to prioritize equitable service expansion, connecting passengers to education, opportunities, and places that matter. In 2022, two pilots were conducted to make transit more affordable for students and low-income residents, resulting in permanent fare elimination for students with an iRide SmarTrip card.

2023 Arlington Transit is engaged the community to inform the Transit Strategic Plan, shaping the next decade of service. Residents were encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences riding ART buses and suggested improvements.

Learn more about Arlington's commitment to transit equity and strategic planning here.

STAR Service Feedback Opportunity: In conjunction with Transit Equity Day, Arlington Transit announces the STAR Service Feedback Opportunity, seeking community input to enhance the STAR (Specialized Transportation for Arlington Residents) service. STAR, a shared-ride service for individuals with disabilities, provides a comparable level of public transportation to ART, Metrobus, and Metrorail, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Provide your feedback on the STAR Service here.

About STAR and the Feedback Opportunity: STAR plays a crucial role in providing shared-ride services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring comparable public transportation levels to ART and regional services. Arlington Transit seeks community feedback to inform potential service recommendations for STAR, focusing on operational efficiencies and meeting the needs of the community.

Learn more about STAR and the ongoing feedback opportunity here.

Transit Strategic Plan (ATSP): Emphasizing the commitment to equity-based planning, Arlington Transit adheres to the Transit Strategic Plan (ATSP), aligning with state, regional, and local policies. The ATSP establishes a consistent approach for implementing policies within the County’s transportation system. It focuses on the vision, mission, goals, and objectives needed to achieve an equitable transit system.

Learn more about the Arlington Transit Strategic Plan here.

Rosa Parks Collection at the Library of Congress:

• Link: Rosa Parks Collection
• Description: The Library of Congress houses an extensive collection of Rosa Parks' personal papers, photos, and memorabilia. This link provides information about the collection, allowing users to delve deeper into her life and legacy.

Conclusion: As Arlington Transit commemorates Transit Equity Day, it underscores its dedication to providing accessible, affordable, and equitable transportation services. The correlation between Rosa Parks' legacy, ongoing equity initiatives, community engagement in STAR, and the strategic planning efforts highlights Arlington Transit’s commitment to creating a transit system that serves everyone.