VIA Metropolitan Transit officials said their “Ride VIA to Vote” initiative provides complimentary public transportation on municipal, state and federal election days, and will offer fare-free trips for voters on election day, May 6.

VIA officials said their goal here is to encourage civic engagement and participation among VIA customers, and to provide transportation for voters who may not otherwise have transportation options to and from a polling location.

To ride fare free, customers must present a valid voter registration card to the bus or van operator on election day, VIA officials said.

The complimentary service is available for regular bus service, VIA Link and VIAtrans paratransit service throughout the VIA service area May 6, according to a news release.

Registered VIAtrans customers are urged to schedule their trip in accordance with VIAtrans policies and procedures by phone or online. VIA Link trips are available within designated service zones.

“As a transit agency, we’re deeply rooted in the civic process and committed to providing equitable access to all community members who wish to exercise their right to be heard through the democratic process,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey Arndt said. “We’re proud to ensure that transportation isn’t an obstacle for casting a ballot.”

Since launching the Ride VIA to Vote initiative in March 2016, VIA has provided more than 2,000 trips for voters, agency officials said.

The release said VIA customers may plan their trip to a polling place with the Transit app and by using the VIA goMobile+ app, both available for download at VIAinfo.net/gomobileplus. Call 210-362-2020 for more information.