Hampton Roads Transit Celebrates Transit Equity Day with Free Rides
A Day of Commemoration
On February 9, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will open its services to riders at no charge, marking a significant observance of Transit Equity Day. This initiative not only honors the legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, born on February 4, but also emphasizes the essential role of public transportation in promoting connectivity within communities.
Free Transportation for All
On this day, HRT will waive fares across all its services. This includes buses, The Tide light rail, ferry rides, OnDemand ridesharing, and Paratransit services. The decision underscores HRT’s commitment to providing accessible transportation options to everyone in the Hampton Roads area. Transit Equity Day serves as a reminder that public transportation should be affordable and within reach of every individual.
Elevating Community Access
As part of its mission, HRT underscores the importance of public transit in linking people to vital resources such as jobs, healthcare, education, retail, and recreational activities. These connections are pivotal in fostering community cohesion and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the region.
President’s Commitment to Service
William E. Harrell, the president and CEO of HRT, expressed the agency’s dedication to ensuring every customer enjoys the best possible transit experience. “HRT is committed to treating all customers with the best possible transit experience every day, to every customer,” he stated. This sentiment echoes the agency’s ongoing efforts to prioritize accessibility and quality in their services.
Honoring Rosa Parks’ Legacy
In recognition of Rosa Parks’ invaluable contributions to civil rights and public transportation, HRT will keep bus headlights on throughout the day as a symbolic tribute. Additionally, the agency will highlight her historic act of courage by designating reserved front seats on each bus with a small sign memorializing her enduring impact. This gesture illustrates how one individual’s bravery can create lasting change and pave the way for equitable access to public transit.
Encouraging Community Participation
HRT invites community members to take advantage of the free rides offered on February 9. While enjoying this cost-free service, riders can also count on regular transit schedules to remain in effect, ensuring smooth travel throughout the day. By removing the fare barrier for this observance, HRT hopes to inspire more residents to utilize public transit and acknowledge its critical role in their lives.
With this initiative, Hampton Roads Transit not only honors Rosa Parks but also aims to foster a greater understanding of the importance of accessible, reliable transportation in building strong, interconnected communities.