Evansville, Ind. – In a move to make voting more accessible, the City of Evansville and the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) have announced free bus rides and METS Mobility services for all residents on Election Day, November 5.
Free transit to the ballot box
The initiative, outlined in a recent press release, is designed to eliminate transportation costs that might otherwise prevent citizens from casting their ballots. METS will operate its regular routes at no charge, and riders can also request METS Mobility assistance for door‑to‑door service.
Mayor Stephanie Terry emphasized the civic importance of the program, stating, “Every resident should have the opportunity to make their voice heard at the ballot box. This partnership helps make voting more accessible and ensures transportation doesn’t stand in the way of participating in our democracy.”
How the program works
All METS buses running on Election Day will be fare‑free. Riders can board with a standard MetroPass or simply present a valid ID, as the system will not collect any fare. METS Mobility, the paratransit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities, will also be available at no cost, provided users schedule rides in advance according to normal METS Mobility procedures.
Evansville voters using METS may cast their ballots at any of the 17 polling locations within city limits, regardless of their home precinct. This flexibility allows residents to choose the polling place most convenient to their travel route, reducing crowding and streamlining the voting process.
Budget and broader goals
The free‑ride program is funded through METS’s existing “Ride Promotion Days” budget, a recurring allocation that supports special service days aimed at boosting ridership and raising public awareness of transit options. By extending this budget to Election Day, the transit agency underscores its commitment to community service and civic participation.
City officials note that the partnership aligns with broader efforts to encourage voter turnout and strengthen democratic engagement in Vanderburgh County. By removing a common logistical hurdle, the city hopes to see higher participation rates, especially among seniors, low‑income residents, and those without personal vehicles.
Additional information
Residents with questions about METS service on Election Day can call the transit system at 812‑435‑6166. The city encourages all eligible voters to plan their travel ahead of time and take advantage of the free service.
As Election Day approaches, local organizations and community groups are also promoting the free‑transit option through social media, flyers, and neighborhood outreach, reinforcing the message that every voice matters and that the city stands ready to support its citizens in exercising that right.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
