NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will waive transit fares in honor of Transit Equity Day on Wednesday, February 4. Riders can ride at no charge on all RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries.

Transit Equity Day is a celebration of Rosa Parks’ birthday and the legacy of Claudette Colvin, honoring their courageous assertions of equal rights and their lasting impact on America’s Civil Rights Movement. This year’s observance comes nearly three weeks after the passing of Claudette Colvin, whose courage and impact helped pave the way for lasting change in public transportation and beyond.

This is also an opportunity to recognize other civil rights champions who have advanced equity in public transit, including the likes of Martha White who played pivotal role the Baton Rouge bus boycott. White, a 31-year-old Baton Rouge housekeeper, often walked miles in the heat to reach her bus stop for work. On June 15, 1953, when only white-designated seats were available, White sat just behind the driver, refused to give up her seat when ordered, and another Black woman sat beside her.

This fare suspension follows the Fare Policy adopted by the RTA Board of Commissioners on September 27, 2022, which sets clear guidance for fare decisions and reinforces RTA’s commitment to keeping public transportation fair and accessible for all riders.

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a sub-division of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, Paratransit, and streetcar services. For updates, service alerts, and agency news, follow the RTA on social media: @neworleansrta on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority on LinkedIn.