Free Rides On Claudette Colvin Day For RTA

Free Rides On Claudette Colvin Day For RTA. In a remarkable gesture to honor the legacy of a civil rights pioneer, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has announced free rides across all of its transit services on Claudette Colvin Day, which will be observed on Thursday, Sept. 5. This initiative aims to recognize the significant contributions of Claudette Colvin to the civil rights movement.

Free Rides On All RTA Transit Services

On Claudette Colvin Day, RTA riders will be able to travel at no cost on RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries. This fare suspension is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transit equity and commemorating key figures in the fight for civil rights. Riders can enjoy this benefit across all transit modes within the RTA network.

Who Was Claudette Colvin?

Claudette Colvin was just 15 years old when, on March 2, 1955, she made a bold stand against racial segregation. Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama—a courageous act that took place nine months before Rosa Parks‘ iconic arrest for the same cause.

During that time, Black passengers were forced to sit at the back of the bus, while the front seats were reserved for white passengers. Colvin’s act of defiance played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, highlighting the injustices of segregation and inspiring future actions, including Rosa Parks’ later protest, which became a pivotal moment in the movement.

RTA Commitment To Transit Equity

The decision to provide free rides on Claudette Colvin Day stems from a Fare Policy adopted by the RTA Board of Commissioners on Sept. 27, 2022. This policy includes language that calls for the observation of both Claudette Colvin Day on her birthday, Sept. 5, and Rosa Parks Day, observed on Feb. 4, which is Parks’ birthday.

As per the official statement released by the RTA, the agency affirmed its dedication to recognizing the historical significance of Colvin and Parks’ contributions. The statement reads:

“As part of the agency’s commitment to transit equity, the RTA is proud to honor their courageous assertions of equal rights for African Americans. To commemorate their respective roles in America’s Civil Rights movement, no fares will be collected for transit services on Claudette Colvin Day.”

How To Access The Free Rides

Riders looking to take advantage of the free transit services on Claudette Colvin Day can simply board any RTA bus, streetcar, or ferry without the need to pay a fare. This applies to all routes and services provided by the RTA on Thursday, Sept. 5.

For more details on the free rides or any other inquiries about transit services, passengers can visit the RTA’s official website at norta.com or contact the RIDELINE at (504) 248-3900.

Conclusion

By offering free rides on Claudette Colvin Day, the RTA not only honors a brave civil rights pioneer but also reinforces its commitment to transit equity and the ongoing fight for social justice. This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of Claudette Colvin’s role in challenging segregation, an act that paved the way for future civil rights advancements.