By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–In 1955, Rosa Parks was riding home on public transit when she refused to give up her seat in the front of the bus.
The actions of the 42-year-old activist invigorated the movement for equality and played a crucial role in desegregating public transit.
In honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday, and all she stood for, North County Transit – San Diego Railroad is joining other public transportation agencies around the country in recognizing February 4, 2026, as “Transit Equity Day” by offering free rides.
“Rosa Parks’ courage was integral to advancing the fight for Civil Rights in our country,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn Donaghy. “NCTD honors her life by working every day to ensure the right to equal access for all on public transit.”
Transit Equity Day was first celebrated in select areas of the nation in 2018. In 2026, NCTD marks its fourth year participating in Transit Equity Day.
Riders can use all NCTD modes – Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze, Flex, NCTD+ and Lift – free of charge for the entire day on February 4. For those traveling on NCTD+ within the San Marcos and Vista micro transit zones, customers can use promo code: ROSAPARKS in the NCTD+ app for free rides.
Free rides apply to NCTD modes of transportation only and are not applicable on San Diego Metropolitan Transit System or Amtrak through the Rail2Rail program.
