Jolie Justus Receives Champion of Transit Award

A Champion of Transit Award was given to Jolie Justus, Kansas City, Mo. City Councilwoman of the 4th District, at the recent Rosa Parks Spirit Awards.

The Champion of Transit Award is presented to Jolie Justus for her long-standing advocacy, leadership and support for public transportation. As City Councilperson, Jolie knows that cities are healthier, safer and more productive when we are connected with affordable and equitable transportation options. Many people are aware of her extraordinary work as a champion of the GO bond election, extension of the streetcar and her tireless dedication to securing a new airport terminal at KCI.

At the same time, she was taking the lead on progressive policies to ensure that everyone in KC is connected, no matter how we move around the city. As sponsor of Kansas City’s Complete Streets ordinance and Transit Oriented Development policy, Councilwoman Justus worked with KCATA and community stakeholders to make public infrastructure more equitable and public transit more accessible. As a long-time customer of RideKC (you can see her daily on the Troost MAX, Main MAX, or the 85), she understands the importance of transit options to our entire community and is truly a Champion of Transit.

“A more connected city is a city that is healthier, it’s a city that is safer, it’s a city that is more productive and it’s a more equitable city,” Justus said.

About the Rosa Parks Spirit Awards

The Rosa Parks Spirit Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that, in the spirit of Civil Rights Leader Rosa Parks, are making a difference in metro Kansas City and in public transit. This marks the sixth year for the awards, whose honorees have included U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, one of KCATA’s first black bus operators Ray Harris, Mayor Sly James, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the Downtown Council.