Montgomery County Ride On buses will offer free fares on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in honor of Transit Equity Day. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will waive fares on Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flash, and Flex buses to commemorate Rosa Parks’ birthday and her impact on transportation equity.
“Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was about more than one moment—it was about challenging an entire system of injustice,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Public transit should be a tool for opportunity, not a barrier. Offering free bus service on Transit Equity Day honors Parks’ legacy and reaffirms our commitment to making transit more affordable, reliable, and accessible.”
MCDOT Ride On buses will display internal placards celebrating Rosa Parks and her role in securing transportation equity as a fundamental civil right.
The County provides several affordable transit options. Regular bus fares cost $1, while seniors, people with disabilities, and County youth with specialized SmarTrip cards ride for free.
“Transit Equity Day reminds us of our ongoing commitment to accessible and affordable public transportation,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “I encourage residents to take advantage of free bus fare and try public transit.”
Transit Equity Day is part of a broader celebration of Black History Month. Throughout February, Montgomery County will recognize Black employees on its X and Facebook social media channels. MCDOT will also highlight Black engineers and inventors who have advanced transportation through a social media campaign.
