MTA Honors Memory of Rosa Parks

December 1, 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of an act of civil disobedience by Rosa Parks, an African American woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama and was arrested for her non-violent action.

"Rosa Parks was strong, determined and courageous in taking a stand for equality on a public conveyance - a transit bus," said MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow. "She changed the course of our nation and its history. In fact, it was this single selfless act of defiance that became a driving force behind the modern Civil Rights Movement and it remains inextricably linked to mass transit systems across the country."

"Accordingly, this Thursday, I have asked MTA NYC Transit, MTA Bus and MTA Long Island Bus to mark the anniversary of Ms. Parks' sacrifice by dedicating a front passenger seat of each of their buses in her honor, and leaving each bus' headlights on throughout the day, " said Mr. Kalikow.

The MTA commemoration, covering all of its 5,000+ buses throughout its service region is being done in conjunction with transit systems around the nation as part of the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA's) "National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day."

A poster entitled "It All Started On a Bus," will be posted above a front seat of each bus and will highlight Ms. Park's historic stand. Additionally, an article outlining Ms. Parks contribution to the civil rights movement will be posted on the MTA website at www.mta.info.

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