North Texas residents will be able to travel to their polling places without paying a fare on Election Day, November 3. DART is extending free service across its entire network—including buses, trains, the Silver Line, GoLink, the Dallas Streetcar, Paratransit Services, and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station—for anyone who presents a valid voter registration card or government‑issued ID.
How to Ride for Free
Riders simply board any eligible DART service and show their voter registration card or ID to the driver or fare‑gate attendant. GoLink users must enter the promo code VOTENOV3 in the DART GoPass app at checkout to receive a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass; the code is valid only on November 3. Paratransit riders should schedule their Election Day trip in advance by calling 214‑515‑7272.
Why DART Is Doing This
“Every citizen has a basic right to vote. However, transportation to get to a polling location stops far too many people from casting their ballots,” said Trenise Winters, EVP and chief operations officer of DART. “We are excited to have the opportunity to provide this free service on election day.” The agency says the promotion is intended to reduce transportation barriers for voters throughout its service area.
Ballot Measures Shaping the Region
While DART’s free‑ride program eases access to the polls, voters in Collin County will decide on several significant measures. The most prominent is an $817.5 million bond package split into four propositions to fund roads, public‑safety facilities, parks and election‑infrastructure projects from fiscal years 2027‑2032. Approval would allow the county to issue the bonds, though it would not trigger an immediate property‑tax increase; the current debt‑service tax rate is 4.18 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Collin College also has a bond proposition (Proposition A) on the ballot, seeking $600 million for campus expansions, workforce‑training facilities and new academic space across the district, including projects in McKinney, Frisco, Wylie, Farmersville, Allen, Plano, Anna and Royse City.
In Plano, voters will consider a venue‑related tax question that would help fund a proposed Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend. If approved, the taxes would support the city’s $700 million contribution toward the arena and associated public improvements.
What Voters Should Do
Because ballot items can vary by precinct, residents are urged to review their sample ballot, confirm their polling location and take advantage of DART’s free‑ride offer. Detailed information about the promotion is available at dart.org/vote.
Community Impact
By removing the cost of transportation, DART is helping to ensure that all eligible voters—especially seniors, students, low‑income families and those without personal vehicles—can exercise their constitutional right to vote. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening civic participation across the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
