Tarrant County commissioners approved the partnership at their Feb. 8 meeting, allocating up to $30,000 to transport voters to the polls. The program has been offered four previous times since 2019.
“It is crucial that people get out to vote in the primary election, and access to transportation should not be a barrier to getting to polling locations,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said in a news release. “We are pleased to be able to once again offer free rides, including accessible services for the elderly and mobility-impaired, through this partnership.”
Riders may show their voter registration card or Texas ID to ride free to a valid voting location. Voters may cast a ballot at any polling location in the county during early voting from Feb. 14-25 and on election day March 1.
Participating transit services, according to the release, are Trinity Metro’s bus routes, ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare services and Access paratransit, which serves those with a disability. Tarrant County Transportation Services, which includes service to Grapevine, Keller and the Alliance area, is available to those age 65 and older, those with a disability, and those age 18 and older with a low income, according to the service's website. Northeast Transportation Services is available for those age 65 or older or those with a disability and includes service to Grapevine and Keller, according to the website. Also included in the program are the Via and Handitran services in Arlington, according to the release.
Trinity Metro ZIPZONE rides may be booked through the ZIPZONE app, and rides will be available to or from any vote center within the zone. Those who qualify to ride through Access, Tarrant County Transportation Services or Northeast Transportation Services should call the provider at least 48 hours in advance, the release stated.
Riders with questions about bus routes or ZIPZONE may call Trinity Metro at 817-784-7382.
Click here for a list of Tarrant County polling locations.
