For Immediate Release
Date: January 22, 2026
Contact: Danielle Frost
(831) 420-2550
dfrost@scmetro.org

METRO Offers Free Fares on February 4th in Honor of Transit Equity Day

Santa Cruz, CA (Jan. 22, 2026): Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is proud to
announce that all bus service will be free to riders countywide on Wednesday, February 4, in
recognition of Transit Equity Day—a national day of action that affirms public transit as a civil
right and essential public good.

Transit Equity Day is held annually on February 4 to honor the birthday of Rosa Parks, whose
courageous act of resistance helped spark the modern civil rights movement and forever
changed the nation’s understanding of equity, mobility, and justice. METRO joins transit
agencies across the country in celebrating her legacy and reaffirming the principle that access
to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is fundamental to opportunity.

“Public transit is a lifeline for thousands of residents across Santa Cruz County,” said Rebecca
Downing, METRO Board Chair. “Offering free fares on Transit Equity Day is one way we honor
Rosa Parks’ legacy while highlighting our commitment to equitable mobility for all—regardless
of age, income, ability, or zip code.”

On February 4, riders can board any METRO bus—local, Highway 17 Express, or ParaCruz—at
no cost. The free-fare day aims to encourage more residents to try transit, reduce
transportation barriers, and spotlight the role METRO plays in supporting access to jobs,
education, healthcare, and community services.

METRO continues to advance equity through initiatives such as the Youth Cruz Free Program,
expanded service under Reimagine METRO, and ongoing investments in zero-emission buses
that improve air quality in the communities that need it most.

“Transit Equity Day is a reminder that mobility is more than transportation—it’s about access,
independence, and opportunity,” said Corey Aldridge, METRO CEO. “We invite everyone to ride
with us on February 4 and join the movement toward a more connected and equitable future.”

For route information, real-time updates, and trip planning, riders can use the Transit app or
visit scmetro.org.

About Us

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO)

Established in 1968, METRO’S mission is to provide environmentally sustainable transportation
to Santa Cruz County. METRO directly operates county-wide, fixed-route and Highway 17
commuter service, with connections to Santa Clara County and Monterey Salinas Transit at our
Watsonville Transit Center. The agency also operates ParaCruz paratransit service. Today,
METRO operates a fleet of 104 buses on 20 fixed routes and 32 paratransit vehicles.

Every ride on a METRO bus takes cars off the road, significantly reduces greenhouse gas
emissions, and supports economic opportunity and quality of life in our community. Moving
into the future, METRO strives to meet the following goals:

  • Increase transit ridership to 7 million trips annually within the next five years
  • Transition to a zero-emissions fleet with a mix of hydrogen and electric vehicles
  • Increase affordable housing at METRO-owned transit centers to 175 units in the next 10
    years.
    For more information, visit scmetro.org.