National Transit Equity Day is Saturday February 4, 2023. The date is chosen in honor of the birthday of Rosa Parks (this year is her 110th birthday!), for her pivotal role in combating racial segregation on public buses, trains, and trolleys. This year, it will be celebrated in Watsonville Plaza from 10am - 3pm with community speakers and family friendly events including train rides, a bike rodeo, and food!
National Transit Equity Day falls at the beginning of National Black History Month and is a collaborative effort of National Civil Rights Leaders, Environmental Advocacy Organizations, Labor Unions and Laborers. With the leadership of Labor Network for Sustainability, this national collaborative movement brings awareness to the importance of robust public transit as a civil right, of environmental justice, of safe walkable cities, and of a just transition to a green economy for our labor force.
In Santa Cruz County today, the majority of our community members are negatively impacted by the low quality of the existing transportation system. Residents of South County are severely impacted by freeway congestion. Non-driving residents of all ages and incomes are poorly served by our limited public transportation system. The high costs of housing and auto ownership create barriers for people of all but the highest income levels.
We can do better!
