SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 24, 2016) – VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer complimentary rides throughout the VIA service area on Election Day. “Ride VIA to Vote” offers free public transportation on municipal, state and federal election days, beginning Election Day, March 1, 2016. VIA unveiled this initiative on Wednesday, after it was approved by the VIA Board of Trustees at its meeting on the evening of Feb. 23, 2016.
“Civic involvement is one of our most essential rights and responsibilities. We at VIA are proud to provide the communities we serve vital connections and access to opportunity. By offering complimentary rides on Election Day, we are highlighting the important role public transportation can play in helping people engage in the process and have their voices heard,” said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt.
The “Ride VIA to Vote” initiative will provide complimentary public transportation throughout the VIA service area for customers presenting a valid voter registration card to the bus or van operator when boarding on Election Day. This includes regular bus service and VIAtrans paratransit service. Registered VIAtrans customers must schedule their trip in accordance with VIAtrans policies and procedures.
“Every segment of our society — from individuals and families to businesses and communities — benefits from public transportation,” said San Antonio District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg. “The same can be said of civic engagement because we all benefit from an engaged electorate, from informed citizens who help shape our city’s future. I am enthusiastic about this initiative because it expands access to polling locations, so that even more of us can take part in the most important right that we have, our right to vote.”
For additional information regarding routes and schedules on Election Day, call (210) 362-2020.
To find your polling site, visit Elections.Bexar.org.
VIA Metropolitan Transit provides public transportation services to 13 cities in the Greater San Antonio Region and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County. VIA operates seven days a week on 90 routes, and provided 44 million rides across the region in 2015. VIA’s mission is to enhance the community’s quality of life by providing regional and customer-oriented public transportation that is dependable, cost-effective and enticing to more riders. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit www.VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on www.Facebook.com/VIATransit, www.Twitter.com/VIA_Transit, and www.Instagram.com/VIATransit.