Celebrating Juneteenth & Striving for Equity in Public Transit

Juneteenth is a chance to celebrate how public transportation promotes equity and inclusivity while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges that must be addressed.

In the past, public transportation unfortunately played a role in fostering racial discrimination and segregation in some parts of our nation. Today, it is an economic driver that gives riders of all backgrounds greater access to economic opportunities in communities where public transit is available.

Businesses big and small also benefit from public transit by gaining access to a larger customer base and a more diverse workforce. Public transit has become a great equalizer, leading to increased mobility, better job opportunities, and more vibrant communities.

Solving Inequity

Safe, reliable, and robust public transit options are a key component of local strategies to address inequity, improve living conditions, and help disadvantaged communities become healthier physically, emotionally, and economically.

African American communities are the most at risk of lacking access to public transit. Funding public transportation for African American communities helps level the playing field by allowing small businesses to grow and providing access to housing, grocery stores, schools, recreational centers, and a variety of public spaces. Public policies like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help expand public transit options for black riders, so they can navigate their own communities, as well as reach major cities for job opportunities. By contributing to positive employment, education, and economic cycles, investments in public transit not only uplift African Americans but also elevate the entire economy and overall quality of life for everyone in the cities and regions in which they are made.

Securing a Better Future

Juneteenth is an appropriate day to reflect on the progress we have made in improving the public transportation experience for African American riders. Investing in infrastructure and expanding route options will increase the mobility and connection that are needed for African American communities to thrive. Access to public transportation creates opportunities for building relationships, achieving economic stability, and pursuing personal fulfillment, all of which are essential for African Americans to maintain a standard of living on par with modern times. Now is the time to recognize how public transit changes lives so we can continue to build on the progress we’ve made and move toward an even better future.