Fort Wayne Honors Transit Equity Day with Tribute Bus

City celebrates Rosa Parks' legacy with special bus design and community event.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23am

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Citilink, Fort Wayne's public transportation system, is hosting a Transit Equity Day event on February 4th to honor the legacy of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. The event will feature remarks from Mayor Sharon Tucker, a Rosa Parks historical interpretation by Chief Condra Ridley, and a special 'Phresh Laundry Rosa Parks' bus designed by local artist Theoplis Smith III.

Why it matters

Transit Equity Day commemorates Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and a broader movement to dismantle legalized segregation on public transportation. The event in Fort Wayne aims to highlight the importance of ensuring all community members have access to public transit, regardless of income, ability or background.

The details

The Transit Equity Day event will take place at 11am on February 4th at Electric Works in Fort Wayne. In addition to the remarks and historical interpretation, guests will be able to ride the Phresh Laundry Rosa Parks bus, which was designed by local artist Theoplis Smith III as a 'rolling tribute' to Parks. Citilink's General Manager and CEO John Metzinger emphasized that public transit is about 'linking people to life' and providing access to opportunities for the entire community.

  • Transit Equity Day is observed annually on February 4th, Rosa Parks' birthday.
  • The Fort Wayne event will take place at 11am on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Sharon Tucker

The Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Chief Condra Ridley

A Rosa Parks portrayer who will provide historical interpretation at the event.

Theoplis Smith III

A Fort Wayne artist who designed the 'Phresh Laundry Rosa Parks' bus.

John Metzinger

The General Manager and CEO of Citilink, Fort Wayne's public transportation system.

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What they’re saying

“Citilink is more than a way to get from point A to point B; we link people to life. Transit Equity Day serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of income, ability or background, should have access to the opportunities that strengthen our community. This day allows us the chance to reflect on how far we've come and recommit to building a more inclusive future.”

— John Metzinger, General Manager and CEO of Citilink

What’s next

After the event, guests are encouraged to ride the Phresh Laundry Rosa Parks bus to further experience the tribute.

The takeaway

By honoring Rosa Parks' legacy and highlighting the importance of equitable public transit access, Fort Wayne's Transit Equity Day event demonstrates a commitment to building a more inclusive community where all residents can connect to the opportunities that strengthen the city.