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Press Release: Sustain Charlotte Joins Transit Equity Day to Honor Rosa Parks and Call for Equitable Transit Investments Across Mecklenburg County

Sustain Charlotte is proud to participate in Transit Equity Day, observed annually on February 4 in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday and her courageous stand for civil rights. Transit Equity Day highlights the vital role public transportation plays in advancing social inclusion, economic mobility, and equity for people who rely on transit to access jobs, schools, healthcare, and community life.

To mark the day, Sustain Charlotte is encouraging residents to take advantage of free rides offered by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). On February 4, CATS is providing fare-free service across its system, helping remove cost barriers and inviting the community to experience transit as an essential public service. More information is available at: https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Events/Transit-Equity-Day.

Transit Equity Day is also being recognized statewide. Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed Transit Equity Day for North Carolina, underscoring the importance of fair access to transportation and the need for transit systems that serve all residents, regardless of income, race, age, or ability. The proclamation can be viewed here: https://governor.nc.gov/governor-stein-proclaims-transit-equity-day.

“Transit Equity Day is a powerful reminder that public transportation is about mobility, dignity, and opportunity,” said Shannon Binns, Founder and Director of Sustain Charlotte. “High-quality transit is one of the strongest tools we have to advance equity because it connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and community. If the Charlotte region is serious about being a place where everyone can thrive without the requirement of owning a car, we must invest in reliable, frequent transit and safe streets that make it possible for people to reach transit stops safely by walking, biking, or rolling.”

Sustain Charlotte Calls on MPTA to Center Equity and Deliver on Voter Commitments

Sustain Charlotte is also using Transit Equity Day to call on the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) to center equity in every aspect of its planning and investment decisions. The creation of the MPTA represents a significant opportunity to build a transit system that serves all communities and fulfills the commitments made to voters to expand and improve public transportation in the Charlotte region.

Sustain Charlotte urges the MPTA to prioritize:

  • Improved bus service, including increased frequency, reliability, and expanded access

  • Implementation of microtransit zones to serve areas not well-connected by fixed-route service

  • Advancement of planned rail lines that expand regional connectivity and mobility options

  • Exploration of additional funding sources and a less expensive route to ensure the Silver Line is built between Matthews and the airport through Uptown, as originally envisioned, improving access to opportunity and strengthening regional equity

These investments are critical to ensuring that transit is not limited to certain corridors or communities, but instead supports shared prosperity across Mecklenburg County.

Safe, Connected Streets Are Essential to Transit Equity

Sustain Charlotte also emphasized that transit equity depends on safe access to transit stops and stations. Many residents (especially in historically underserved areas) face dangerous street conditions that make walking, biking, or using mobility devices difficult or unsafe.

Sustain Charlotte calls on municipalities throughout Mecklenburg County to allocate their share of the 40% of PAVE Act sales tax revenue to implement Complete Streets projects that create safe, connected streets for all users, not just drivers. These projects include:

  • Sidewalk construction and repair

  • Separated, protected bike lanes

  • Improved intersections and crossings

  • ADA-compliant sidewalks and safer routes to transit

“Transit can’t succeed if people can’t safely get to it,” Binns added. “A truly equitable transportation system requires both strong transit service and Complete Streets investments that protect people outside of cars. When we build safer streets and better transit together, we create healthier communities, expand economic opportunity, and reduce household transportation costs.”

About Sustain Charlotte

Sustain Charlotte is a nonprofit organization working to advance smart growth, transportation choices, and equitable mobility solutions that strengthen communities and protect the environment in the Charlotte region.

For more information, visit: www.sustaincharlotte.org