Commuters travel on Baltimore’s subway system (MTA)
This week, we celebrate National Transit Equity Day, a time to highlight the critical importance and economic benefits of investing in public transit for all citizens. Equitable access to transportation is not just a service – it’s a fundamental right that connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and their communities.
Ride For Free on February 4
To honor this day, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) invites you to take advantage of the free rides offered across all services on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This includes Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Commuter Bus, MARC Train and Mobility.
Commuters board a MARC train (MTA)
Celebrating Rosa Parks’ Legacy
Transit Equity Day is celebrated annually on February 4 to honor the birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. The day is dedicated to her pivotal role in America’s Civil Rights Movement and equity in public transportation. Parks made history on December 1, 1955 when she defied local law and refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated public transit bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
Her arrest sparked the 13-month-long Montgomery Bus Boycott and legal challenges to segregation law. Her courage paved the way for the 1956 Supreme Court ruling which declared bus segregation unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
At the MTA, we honor Rosa Parks’ legacy every day. We remain dedicated to providing safe, reliable and equitable transit for everyone, all year long. By providing affordable and inclusive service, we strive to build a stronger, more connected Maryland where opportunity is accessible to all.
Whether you are a daily commuter or trying transit for the first time, we encourage you to use your free ride on February 4. Plan your trip at mta.maryland.gov or use the Transit app to explore our routes at no cost.
Commuters board an MTA bus in Baltimore City (MTA)
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service, and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook or YouTube and follow us on Twitter/X and Bluesky Social.