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The Capital Area Transportation Authority showcased its Rosa Parks Tribute Bus Wednesday in front of the Michigan State Capitol, marking the 70th anniversary year of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Transit Equity Day, which honors Parks’ legacy each year on her birthday by advocating for fair, affordable and accessible public transportation for all. 

The CATA bus, wrapped to resemble the original bus preserved at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, was available for free public tours while parked on Capitol Avenue in downtown Lansing, directly in front of the State Capitol. 

Inside the tribute bus, visitors viewed a historical timeline of the civil rights movement displayed along the interior panels. Rosa Parks’ silhouette appeared in the window, and her seat was marked with an honorary cover, creating a powerful visual reminder of her role in history. 

“Rosa Parks’ courage changed the course of history and forever linked public transportation to the pursuit of equity,” said CATA Chief Executive Officer Bradley T. Funkhouser. “Sharing this tribute bus on Transit Equity Day is a way to honor that legacy while reinforcing the role transit continues to play in expanding access and opportunity in our communities.” 

The tribute bus commemorates Parks’ pivotal act on Dec. 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. That moment sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which began Dec. 5, 1955, and lasted 381 days, ending on Dec. 20, 1956, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional went into effect. 

“This tribute bus was designed to bring an important chapter of our history to life,” said CATA Board Chair Nathan Triplett. “As a museum-on-wheels, it invites people to learn, reflect and rededicate ourselves to the work of building a more inclusive future.” 

Following today’s event, the bus will be featured on a variety of CATA’s regular routes and community events throughout the year.   

Learn more at the Rosa Parks Tribute webpage.