Getting where you need to go is an act that unites people across a myriad of identities and regions. These books discuss transit from striking historical events, to interesting and eclectic subway stations. However equitable access to both public transportation and safe transit across America has not been available unconditionally throughout history. The Montgomery bus boycott was a key historical moment in the intersection of civil rights history and public transportation history. The dedicated and prolonged strike would eventually contribute to the landmark Supreme Court case, which challenged the legitimacy of the segregation laws in Alabama. In the years after, the aptly named Montgomery Freedom riders, would test if the states would actually abide by federal law. In a lighter and more recent story, Simmons talks about riding the bus for a year with her sister and how that allowed her to reflect on life and their bond. Finally, Transit Tourism asks the question of “Can the transportation be the destination?”, with beautifully designed transit centers around the world. Each of these books discusses some aspect of transit, whether it be historical or personal and can give you a new perspective on your daily commute.
--Anissa Alexander
Sources
https://www.britannica.com/event/Montgomery-bus-boycott
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