Transit Equity Day

Seated in Courage

Transit Equity Day is observed annually on February 4 to commemorate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks on her birthday. Rosa Parks became a key figure in the Civil Rights era when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery, Alabama public transit bus and was arrested in 1955. Her actions sparked the Montgomery bus boycott and the U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring segregation on buses unconstitutional. The actions and legacy of Rosa Parks is intrinsically tied to the concept of transit equity for all.

Learn more about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

The observance of Transit Equity Day also carries special significance following the passing of Claudette Colvin in January 2026. Colvin, at 15 years old, refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus nine months before Rosa Parks’ historic action. She played a pivotal, but often overlooked role, in the fight for transportation equity.

Connecticut is stronger when everyone has access to reliable transportation. CTDOT continues to invest in improvements that make public transit more accessible, reliable, and responsive to the needs of Connecticut residents. From transitioning the statewide bus fleet to zero emissions vehicles, to offering free WiFi on CTtransit buses, to modernizing rail cars and updating schedules for today’s commuters, CTDOT is improving lives through transportation.

Bus Stop Enhancement Program

In October 2025, the CTDOT launched the statewide Bus Stop Enhancement Program, installing modern shelters, benches, lighting, and real-time schedule information at high use stops. The upgrades meet ADA standards, improve safety and comfort, and boost the overall transit experience.

New CTrail Rail Cars

CTDOT has recently unveiled a prototype of the new CTrail rail cars. Sixty next-generation coaches will feature modern amenities, provide for faster service, and improve accessibility. These new rail cars are set to enter passenger service in 2027.

Customer Experience Action Plan

The 2025 Annual Progress Report highlights the most recent work CTDOT has undertaken to improve the customer experience, detailing progress on priority initiatives shaped by transit users’ input. This report builds on the foundation set by CTDOT’s first Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan, released in 2023 to outline planned investments informed by customer and stakeholder feedback. More information, including the annual report is available at transitcx.com.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

In 2025, 35 vehicle grants totaling more than $3.3 million were awarded to nonprofits and municipalities under the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program. This program improves mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing transportation barriers and expanding mobility options.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

CTDOT works closely with the Federal Transit Administration to meet its Title VI program requirements which help ensure our public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner, promote full participation in decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin, and ensure meaningful access by persons with limited English proficiency.