HART Celebrates 'Rosa Parks Day'

Rosa Parks

It all started on a bus in 1955, after Rosa Parks decided to take a stand by taking a seat. 

Ms. Parks' brave actions on December 1, 1955, led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that culminated one year later with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing access and ending segregation on public transportation.

Rosa Parks' seat designation

In honor of Ms. Parks' courageous act and dedication to Civil Rights, HART designates a seat on every bus throughout Black History Month in February.

"Ms. Parks' actions created opportunities for millions of transit users locally and throughout the country who rely on public transportation to get to work, to school and to create the lives they want to live," Ruthie Reyes Burckard, HART Interim Chief Executive Officer said. "Her decision to keep her seat reminds all of us of the importance of standing for equality."

It all started on a bus, and HART celebrates Ms. Rosa Parks and the role transit played in advancing Civil Rights and equality.

HART to Re-open Yukon Transfer Center, Rosa Parks Day Dedication!

Yukon Transfer Center receives a Makeover

Public restrooms, added bus bays among the highlights

HART will host a re-opening ceremony to mark the completion of the renovated Yukon Transfer Center, the first HART transfer center that opened in 1983. Renovation highlights include:

• Upgraded to attain ADA compliance
• Added bus bays to handle additional capacity
• Addition of public restrooms
• Improved security features
  

The grand re-opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The facility is located at 400 E. Yukon Street.

HART buses will now feature a plaque dedicated to Rosa Parks

Honoring Rosa Parks Day

In honor of Rosa Parks Day celebrated the next day, HART will also unveil Rosa Parks bus plaques that will be permanently installed on all HART buses. These bus plaques are dedicated to the legacy of Rosa Parks and the "It All Started on a Bus" campaign that pays tribute to the important role that transit played during the civil rights movement, as well as today to achieve social justice in communities throughout the country. Every day in Hillsborough County, thousands of residents without reliable transportation options depend on HART to arrive to work, see their doctor, and attend school.  

This event is free and open to the public. Community leaders, elected officials, HART board members and staff will be present during the ceremony.