TriMet will not collect fares on buses or MAX trains on Sunday, Feb. 4, in our fourth annual tribute to the civil rights icon

On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance and resulting arrest sparked protests from the streets of Montgomery that inspired change across the United States. Rosa Parks’ brave act became a cornerstone of the civil rights movement and the catalyst for a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirming transportation equity as a civil right.

Celebrate with us! TriMet will not collect fare on Sunday, Feb. 4, in honor of Rosa Parks, on what would have been her 111th birthday. Ride the bus, MAX or LIFT paratransit, and take time to reflect on the great contributions of the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Our partners at Portland Streetcar and C-TRAN join us in our annual tribute to Rosa Parks by also not collecting fares every February 4.

“As TriMet’s first Black General Manager and a person of African American heritage, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a bus affects me personally,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “I am humbled and beyond proud to lead an organization that provides a public service where all are welcome. TriMet connects people — all people, no matter the color of their skin or where they came from — with opportunity. Ride with us on Rosa Parks’ birthday and think about how we got here. And give thanks.”

We ride with Rosa!

The TriMet Board of Directors passed a resolution in 2020, declaring Parks’ birthday as a day of remembrance across our 533-square-mile service district. Outgoing District 5 Director Keith Edwards, a leader in the local Black community and a lifelong community activist, proposed the annual observation.

“Rosa Parks revealed to the nation the inequities borne from ignorance. She said no more,” said Edwards.

Riding on Rosa Parks Day? Here’s what you need to know: 

As Rosa Parks’ birthday falls on a Sunday this year, TriMet buses and trains will be following their regular Sunday schedules. 

• You won’t need to tap your Hop card or buy a ticket at the station. Just come on board!
• If you tap your Hop card, you will receive a confirmation, but no fare will be deducted.
• Ticket machines will not allow any ticket purchases on Feb. 4. 
• Fare collection resumes at 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5.