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Honoring Rosa Parks and Advancing Transit Equity in Mecklenburg County

Every year on February 4th, communities across the country pause to celebrate Transit Equity Day, a day dedicated to the legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and the ongoing fight for fair, accessible public transportation for all. Transit Equity Day recognizes Parks’ historic act of courage through her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus. Pausing on this day to honor Parks’ legacy reminds us that public transit is a critical tool for social inclusion, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

This year, Sustain Charlotte is proud to stand alongside transit riders, advocates, and allies as we elevate the call for true equity in transit planning, funding, and implementation.

Sustain Charlotte has hosted “Rise & Ride” experiential bus rides to introduce residents to public transit.

A State-Wide Proclamation for Equity

Reflecting this growing momentum, Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed February 4, 2026, as Transit Equity Day in North Carolina, highlighting the essential role public transit plays in connecting people to jobs, education, health care, and community life. You can read the full proclamation from the Office of the Governor here.

In his proclamation, Governor Stein emphasizes that transit equity is inseparable from fair access and opportunity for all residents, regardless of race, income, age, or ability — a powerful affirmation as officials and planners throughout North Carolina consider how to build more inclusive transportation networks.

Transit Justice Means More Than One Day

While Transit Equity Day is an important moment of recognition, Sustain Charlotte believes equity must be at the heart of everyday transit planning and implementation.

In our region, the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) has a historic opportunity and responsibility to fulfill the promises voters made when they supported expanded transit investments. We continue to urge the MPTA to:

  • Invest in improved bus service with increased frequency, reliability, and coverage so that people can rely on transit for everyday needs.
  • Build comfortable and accessible bus stops with shelters, seating, and signage.
  • Implement microtransit zones that offer flexible, demand-responsive connections in areas underserved by traditional fixed bus routes.
  • Advance planned rail lines that grow our transit network equitably across Mecklenburg County.
  • Explore new light rail connections, especially between East Charlotte and Matthews, where current transit access falls short for many residents.

These actions are investments in economic mobility, workforce access, and climate resilience.

Complete Streets for Safe, Connected Communities

Transit equity also extends beyond buses and trains. People who walk, bike, or use wheelchairs — especially in historically marginalized neighborhoods — deserve streets that are safe, comfortable, and connected. That’s why Sustain Charlotte calls on municipalities across Mecklenburg County to use the 40% of sales tax revenues from the PAVE Act to support Complete Streets projects, including:

  • Protected bike lanes
  • Safer intersections
  • Continuous sidewalks
  • Road diets
  • ADA-compliant crossings

These improvements reduce barriers to transit access and help create vibrant, people-centered neighborhoods where everyone can move safely and confidently.

Moving Forward Together

At Sustain Charlotte, we know that vision becomes reality only through purposeful policy, equitable funding, and community-centered decision-making. Today and every day, we’re committed to advocating for transit systems that expand opportunity, strengthen inclusion, and bring us closer to a just, sustainable future.

Fare-Free Rides with CATS — Transit for Everyone

In honor of Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks’ birthday, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is once again offering fare-free rides on all CATS services on February 4th so that everyone in our community can experience accessible transit with no cost barrier. Learn more about CATS’ Transit Equity Day initiative and plan your ride here.