Metro Transit is making sure voters can get to the polls on election day.
Metro says bus and paratransit services will be fare-free on November 3rd for Election Day. “The Metro Board of Directors is committed to the mission of connecting members of our community to the places they care about, and that includes polling locations," said Jay Lund, chair of Metro's Board.
This year marks Metro's second "Bus to Ballot" initiative, following free rides for the 2016 election. "Providing free transit on Election Day helps us ensure that transportation is not a barrier to participation in the democratic process," said Metro's CEO, Lauren Cencic.
Riders can plan their trip and track their bus using MyRide OMA, which is available online and as a smartphone app.
In an ongoing effort to ensure that buses and paratransit vehicles are clean and safe, Metro says they are taking measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Continuing a rigorous daily cleaning schedule with an increased concentration of disinfectant
- Using an electrostatic sprayer on all buses and paratransit vehicles every evening, which disperses a CDC-approved disinfectant across all interior surfaces
- Adding an anti-microbial coating during Metro’s ongoing bus seat cleaning process
- Trading out buses on high ridership routes mid-day for extra cleaning
- Installing safety shields around driver seats to reduce contact between drivers and riders
(Photo by Metro)