NORFOLK, Va. — The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is offering free rides on Juneteenth.
The HRT buses, light rail, ferry, and paratransit services will be free on Wednesday, June 19.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the day 250,000 slaves in Texas were freed by the U.S. Army. They were the last slaves to be freed, marking the end of slavery.
“Juneteenth has long been celebrated by the African American community, and HRT is proud to make it easier to get around on a day marking the end of slavery in the United States,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO of HRT. “Connecting Hampton Roads’ diverse communities through transit ensures everyone has access to opportunities and fosters inclusivity in our region.”
This is the fifth year Juneteenth has been acknowledged as a state and federal holiday. The HRT bus, light rail, and base express services will operate on their Saturday schedules.
Along with Juneteenth, the HRT also offers free rides on election Election Day, Transit Equity Day, and Earth Day.
