Trinity Metro and Tarrant County announced on February 11 they are partnering to provide free rides for voters during the early voting period for the primaries from February 14 to February 25 and on Election Day, Tuesday, March 1.
Voters can ride for free on Trinity Metro buses, ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare services, and ACCESS paratransit by showing their voter registration card or current Texas ID. Customers who schedule a ride to or from a voting center within the ZIPZONE boundaries will receive a free ride, Trinity Metro said.
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court agreed to fund the initiative to assist riders in getting to the polls.
“Access to transportation should not be a barrier that prevents people from exercising their right to vote,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley told the Fort Worth Reporter in October when the free service was offered during primary voting. “Tarrant County is once again offering free rides to polling locations, including accessible services for the elderly and mobility-impaired, as well as on-demand service in Arlington and Fort Worth. These free rides will be available during early voting and on Election Day.”
Tarrant County Transportation Services (TCTS), Northeast Transportation Services (NETS), and Arlington’s Via and Handitran are all part of the partnership.
Customers who qualify and want to ride ACCESS, TCTS, NETS, or Handitran to vote should call the provider at least 48 hours ahead of the trip to schedule their free ride to any of the voting locations.
For questions about ZIPZONE, ACCESS, or bus routes to your polling place, call Trinity Metro at 817-215-8600.
Sample ballots for Tarrant County can be found here, and the early voting schedule and maps can be found here.
