TEXAS - Lack of transportation has been cited as one of the chief barriers to voting during the 2016 election.
Several ride-share companies are giving up profit on Election Day to help ensure everyone who wants to can get to their polling location and vote. You have options.
Uber is offering what it calls its “Drive the Vote” promotion. If you have the Uber app, tap Menu> Payment> Add Promo Code, and type in VOTE2018. Uber is offering $10 off a single ride to the polls on the most affordable option in your city.
Lyft is offering 50 percent off rides across the country, and free rides in underserved communities.
In Austin, Capital Metro is offering free rides throughout Election Day on all Metrobus, MetroRapid, MetroExpress, MetroRail and MetroAccess services. Just find your polling location on the Texas Secretary of State website and find a Capital Metro route that will take you to your polling location by using the Trip Planner or CapMetro App.
The service is available in Round Rock as well.
In San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transportation is offering the “Ride VIA to Vote” initiative. You can ride for free on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In Georgetown, residents can ride for fre on GoGeo buses. The following buses will stop near polling places on Election Day:
- Orange Route stop on Eighth at Myrtle streets: 4 blocks to Vote Center at Main Street Baptist Ministry Center, 111 W. 10th St.
- Purple Route stop on 17th at Hart streets: 2 blocks to Vote Center at Georgetown Housing Authority, 210 W. 18th St.
- Blue Route stop on River Bend at Westwood Lane: 3 blocks to Vote Center at Georgetown ISD Admin, 603 Lakeway Drive