GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Rapid will be offering free rides to the polls for the first time this upcoming Election Day.
The move was announced on the transit service's social media accounts Thursday, with Grand Rapids mayor Rosalynn Bliss stating that riders just need to tell their bus driver that they are going to vote or returning home from voting.
“We wanted to make it as straightforward as possible,” said The Rapid director of communications Amanda Moore. “The reason we're doing this is to reduce barriers in the voting process and our agency. Everything that we do is in service to the communities to remove barriers and increase equity within our communities, so we're really excited to provide this opportunity to folks.”
Moore said the new service comes after those within The Rapid noticed how agencies outside the area were able to help the public get to the polls.
“It's something that's becoming a trend in the transit industry nationally, as well as the state of Michigan,” she said. “We're excited to see what the results are and be able to measure our success and discuss it with our board members.”
The Rapid will be collecting data on how many riders take part and use that info for future election plans.
Before participating in the free service, Moore suggests making sure you’re registered to vote and to find out where your voting precinct is. Both can be checked by visiting Michigan.gov/vote.
Once you've figured out where you're going, you can visit ridetherapid.org to plan your trip.
Election Day is Nov. 8 and the polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Don't forget to flash the driver your "I voted" sticker and tell them you are on the way home from voting!
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