Black Leadership in Transportation: A Legacy of Change and Progress

Transportation has long been a stage for civil rights activism, with Black leaders paving the way for a more just and equitable system. From early streetcar protests to the bus boycotts of the 20th century, these acts of resistance against segregation and discrimination have had a lasting impact on mobility and access for all.

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger after the whites-only section of a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, had filled up. Under Jim Crow laws, Black passengers were required to relinquish their seats when the white section was full. Parks’ quiet act of defiance sparked a citywide boycott that lasted over a year and led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling segregation on public buses unconstitutional. As Parks later wrote, “I was not tired physically… No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a coordinated effort that required immense organization and resilience from the Black community. Carpools were arranged, and churches played a significant role in providing alternative transportation. Many Black residents walked miles daily to avoid using segregated buses, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. The boycott gained national attention, and figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as key leaders in the civil rights movement through their involvement.

Laying the Groundwork for Change

Before Parks, the Women’s Political Council (WPC) had already been advocating for fair treatment of Black bus riders in Montgomery. In 1954, they met with city officials to push for changes, including fairer seating policies and better service in Black neighborhoods. Their efforts set the stage for what became a transformative movement.

The WPC’s work highlighted the systematic discrimination Black passengers faced daily. They were often forced to board at the front of the bus to pay their fare and then exit to re-enter through the back, a policy designed to enforce subjugation. Many times, drivers pulled away before Black passengers could re-enter, leaving them stranded. The demands for reform were not just about seating; they were about dignity, fairness, and access to public transportation as a basic right.

Precursors to Montgomery: The Fight for Transit Justice

The fight against transportation segregation had deep roots:

• Irene Morgan (1944): Her Supreme Court case challenged segregation on interstate buses, leading to a landmark ruling against it. Morgan’s defiance came over a decade before Rosa Parks and was instrumental in shaping later legal battles against segregation in transit.
• Elizabeth Jennings (1854): Nearly a century earlier, her lawsuit led to the desegregation of public transit in New York City. Jennings' courageous stand against discrimination proved that change could be achieved through legal action and advocacy.
• Freedom Riders (1961): These activists rode buses into the segregated South to challenge noncompliance with federal desegregation laws, facing violent opposition but ultimately driving policy change. Their bravery in confronting hostile environments helped solidify desegregation in interstate travel.

The Lasting Impact on Transit Equity

The victories of the past laid the groundwork for greater equity in transportation, but there are still opportunities for further improvements. Many communities continue to experience disparities in public transit access and infrastructure investment. Low-income neighborhoods, often home to communities of color, frequently face inadequate transit services, making it harder to access employment, education, and healthcare.

Modern-day transit advocacy efforts aim to address these inequities by pushing for policies that prioritize affordable, reliable, and safe transportation for all. Organizations continue to work towards solutions that promote environmental sustainability, enhance connectivity, and ensure transit systems reflect the needs of diverse communities.

One such initiative is the introduction of battery-electric train service on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line, a project led by Keolis Commuter Services in partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Approved in 2024, this investment will bring battery electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) to the Fairmount Line, offering more frequent service, lower emissions, and improved reliability for the predominantly Black and brown communities the line serves. With trains expected to run every 20 minutes on weekdays starting in 2028, this initiative represents a significant step toward closing transit equity gaps while promoting environmental justice in underserved neighborhoods.

At Keolis, we recognize the importance of mobility for all and remain committed to enhancing everyday life in cities and communities by imagining and operating safe, smart and sustainable mobility solutions accessible to each and everyone – after all, that is our corporate purpose (aka raison d'être).

As we honor Black History Month, we celebrate the individuals who fought for justice and continue to inspire progress. Their legacy reminds us that access to transportation is more than just a convenience—it is a civil right that must be protected and advanced.