HOUSTON, Texas — Getting to a polling place on Election Day will not cost Houston-area riders a fare. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County says anyone headed to or from the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, can ride for free.
The offer reaches across most of the agency’s network. It covers METRORail trains and local bus routes, along with METROLift paratransit, the curb2curb on-demand service and Community Connector rides.
Claiming the free trip is simple: voters show their voter registration card to the bus operator or fare inspector as they get on. No separate pass or app is needed.
The deal is good only on Election Day itself. Riders who cast ballots during the early voting period will still pay the regular fare, as will anyone riding on any other day.
METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said cost of transportation should not keep anyone from voting, and she credited Mayor John Whitmire for keeping the partnership going. The agency described the effort as its part in helping residents take part in one of their most basic civic duties.
Transit officials suggest that riders map out their routes ahead of time with the trip planner on the agency’s website and double-check where their assigned polling location is before they head out, since lines and travel times can stretch on a busy voting day.
For riders who depend on paratransit or door-to-door service, the inclusion of METROLift and curb2curb means the free trip is not limited to people who can reach a fixed bus stop or rail platform. Standard fares return for every service the following day.
Section: More Houston TX politics news
Filed under: Houston TX Politics News
