A Celebration of Transit Equity and Community Voices
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, dozens of community members arrived at the 7th Annual Transit Equity Day Celebration hosted by Together for Brothers, by bus, bike, on foot, and other alternative modes of transportation.
Transit Equity Day honors the life and legacy of civil rights activist Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Alabama in 1955. This day brings the transit community together to highlight public transportation as a cornerstone of equity and the importance of connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, community resources, and citywide destinations.
“Our transit system keeps Albuquerque’s diverse community moving with equal and frictionless access for all,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Zero Fares ensures that everyone; families, commuters, students, people with disabilities, all get connected to where they need to go.”
The festivities included food, music, resources, and inspiring storytelling organized in collaboration with ABQ RIDE, and community partners. Together for Brothers is a highly-engaged nonprofit and transit advocate, who was a key proponent in establishing Zero Fares.
“Providing the opportunity for our community to participate, celebrate and advocate for transit equity is an empowering and inspiring experience, in which our successes and organizing has helped the community,” said Together for Brothers Transit Rider Project Manager Mariel León Lazcano. “This event provided resources and a space to celebrate and connect while we take into account the impact and importance of transit equity.”
Last year, ABQ RIDE served about 6.7 million riders who travelled close to 20.8 million miles – which is more than 836 trips around the earth. In an average week, the transit system covers about 69,000 miles with over 6,000 trips.
“Public transportation brings communities together,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “Riding the bus is a lifeline for much of our community. The wheels are turning every day at ABQ RIDE to ensure we continuously strive toward ensuring an equitable and accessible transit system that is clean, safe, and reliable for all.”
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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.
Together for Brothers vision health and health equity for boys and young men of color (BYMOC) as well as their families and communities.