Worcester, MA — Starting February 1, WRTA will reserve a seat on every bus in the fleet to honor the memory of Rosa Parks, whose birthday falls on February 4th. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the significance of Parks’ brave stand against racial segregation on public transportation, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
While riding a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, Parks didn’t give up her seat when told to do so by the bus driver. Her actions ignited a wave of activism and played a crucial role in dismantling segregation laws. By saving a seat in her honor, WRTA seeks to inspire reflection on the progress made in the fight for equality and justice.
Throughout the month of February, passengers will find a designated seat with a commemorative sign aboard WRTA’s fixed route system, highlighting Rosa Parks’ legacy and encouraging conversations about the importance of equality and unity.
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The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and the surrounding 36 communities in the Central Massachusetts area with a bus fleet that includes diesel-electric hybrid buses, and clean-diesel buses. The second largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts, the WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to work, shopping, school, medical appointments, and leisure activities. The WRTA also provides paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, as well as a variety of special services for those groups in the entire service area. All fixed routes and paratransit services are free through June 2024.