Metrolink, together with transit organizations across Southern California, will offer free rides to the public Friday, Feb. 4 in honor of Transit Equity Day.
As part of its “Take A Seat – Any Seat” campaign, Metrolink said in their release it will honor the day to help promote equality and equitable access for all in public transportation. Riders must “simply arrive at the station and board the train” to ride free. Tickets are not required.
The national day of action commemorates the birthday of civil rights activist Rosa Parks and celebrates her legacy by declaring public transit a civil right.
Ms. Parks is remembered nationally for her remarkable refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. Her stance would eventually be the catalyst to the Montgomery bus boycott, a social protest that fought against racial segregationist policies on public transit systems.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority will also provide free rides to the public Feb. 4 through its several transit providers, including buses. Public transportation in other neighboring counties may still charge a fare.
Everyday the Metrolink system provides discounted fares for students, children aged 5 years and under, disabled riders, senior citizens, and active members of the military.
Danyella Wilder is a freelance journalist. Danyella graduated from California Baptist University with a B.A. in journalism and new media and has a M.S. in journalism from Northwestern University.
