TRANSIT EQUITY DAY

Fare-Free Transit Advocacy Day at the Capitol

HARTFORD, CT—Advocates take statewide action for Transit Equity in support of SB1243.

Tuesday, May 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Connecticut State Capitol | Hartford, CT

Join us for Fare-Free Transit Advocacy Day, a powerful call to action for transit justice in Connecticut.

We’re bringing together students, veterans, and advocates from across the state to demand passage of SB 1243—a bill that would make bus transit free for high school students and veterans. This is about more than transportation; it’s about equity, opportunity, and climate justice. Register now.

Mobilizing for Transportation Equity in Connecticut

Millions of Americans enjoy the freedom to travel to school, work, and community events—but far too many high school students and veterans in Connecticut are stuck. The local bus ride can cost more than they can afford, which means missing classes, skipping job interviews, and feeling left out of the future. This is unacceptable, because transportation is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

SB 1243 flips the script. It would make public buses fare-free for high school students, veterans, and low-income riders—lifting a huge burden off our communities. Use this fact sheet to learn more and contact your legislators today to support SB1243.

Local students testify before the Transportation Committee in support of SB-1243 An Act Concerning Fare-Free Bus Public Transportation Services For High School Students, Veterans, and Low-Income Passengers.

Transportation Is a Right, Not a Privilege.

“We are proud of the work the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs and our affiliate organizations have been able to accomplish in establishing CT’s Transit Equity Day, however, we recognize that there is still much more work to be done in advancing equitable, reliable, and affordable public transportation for all. "

Aziz Dehkhan

Executive Director

Transit Equity Day In The News:

Transit Equity Day In Previous Years

The Connecticut Roundtable On Climate and Jobs partnered with local organizations including Transport Hartford, CTDOT, CT Sierra Club, Bike Walk CT, NAG, CT Climate Crisis Mobilization, the Conservation Law Foundation, New Haven Coalition For Active Transportation, CT Public Transportation Council, and other non-profit organizations, elected officials, labor unions, and environmental justice advocates to honor Rosa Parks and recognize Transit Equity Day at the State Capitol Building in Hartford, CT. Advocacy groups and Connecticut residents joined together on Monday, February 5, 2024 to call on state legislators to invest in reliable, cleaner, and more equitable public transportation for all.

Transit Equity 2021

Affordable, reliable public transit is a right. It is also an essential public service, on par with utilities such as water and electricity. On February 2, 2021, the Roundtable, along with our vast network of affiliates and partners, gathered virtually to celebrate Transit Equity Day and honor of Rosa Parks’s legacy.

Our Transit Equity Day discussion at the (Virtual) Capitol featured speakers Mustafa Salahuddin with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Dr. Mark Mitchell (George Mason University), Dottie Green with the Rosa Parks Legacy Group, Rep. Roland Lemar, Rep. Gerarldo Reyes, and more!

Watch the recording of our virtual Transit Equity Day discussion!

#TransitEquity4CT 2020

On February 4th, as part of a national campaign, Connecticut is taking action to demand that our local, state and federal governments make public transit accessible and affordable to all, create good jobs by expanding our public transit systems, and protect our health and climate by using renewable energy to power our buses and trains.

We chose February 4 as Transit Equity Day to honor Rosa Parks on her birthday. Her act of resistance by refusing to give up her seat on the bus in 1955 was a catalyst for the civil rights movement. It affirmed that everyone has the right to equal access to public transit.