On February 4, residents of the Portland area can enjoy free transit rides aboard TriMet services, celebrating what would have been the 112th birthday of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. This marks the fifth consecutive year that TriMet has commemorated Parks’ impactful legacy, with additional support from C-TRAN and Portland Streetcar, which are also offering fare-free rides.
“Rosa Parks is an inspiration to me,” remarked TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. He highlighted the significance of Parks’ courageous act of defiance against segregation in 1955, emphasizing how her legacy continues to shape the transit agency. Desue noted, “As the first Black person to serve as TriMet general manager, my life has been shaped by Rosa’s legacy, and I’m proud to say that on TriMet, all are welcome.”
All of TriMet’s services, including buses, trains, and LIFT paratransit vehicles, will be free for the entire day. No tickets or Hop card taps will be necessary for riders.
Rosa Parks became a national figure after her refusal to relinquish her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, igniting a movement that led to the desegregation of public transportation in the U.S. TriMet has honored her contributions by renaming a Portland Avenue MAX Yellow Line Station after her in 2009 and officially designating February 4 as Rosa Parks Day in 2020.
This initiative not only serves as a tribute to Parks’ enduring influence but also aligns with TriMet’s broader commitment to ensuring accessibility and equity in public transportation for all residents. In recognition of her contributions, Parks’ name is memorialized in various places in North Portland, including a major thoroughfare and an elementary school, further solidifying her legacy in the community.
In summary, this year’s fare-free day reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and honor the civil rights movement, inspiring future generations to advocate for social justice.