No car? No problem. Transit agencies across Texas are offering free rides to polling locations on Election Day, eliminating one of the biggest barriers to voting for thousands of Texans.
From Fort Worth to Houston to San Antonio, major cities are rolling out fare-free transportation on Tuesday, November 4, making sure everyone who wants to vote can get there.
Fort Worth Area: Trinity Metro Goes Fare-Free
Trinity Metro is offering free rides all day on Election Day across all local services. Whether you need a bus, Trinity Metro TEXRail, Trinity Metro On-Demand rideshare (including paratransit), or Trinity Railway Express to stations in Tarrant County, just tell your driver or train conductor you’re heading to or from the polls.
No special pass required. No codes to remember. Just board and tell them where you’re going.
Houston Area: METRO Covers Early Voting Too
Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) goes even further—offering free rides during both early voting (October 20-31) AND Election Day.
Show your voter ID or other approved documentation when boarding any METRO bus, light rail, curb2curb service, or METROLift. The promotion covers the entire early voting period, giving Houston-area voters nearly two weeks of free transportation to the polls.
Austin Area: CapMetro Suspends All Fares
Capital Metro is waiving fares across its entire network on Election Day. That includes buses, trains, bikes, and the Pickup on-demand service throughout the Austin region.
Want to find your nearest polling location? Open the CapMetro Trip Planner or mobile app and type “VOTE” into the search bar. The system shows you polling locations in Travis and Williamson counties along with the best transit routes to reach them.
San Antonio: VIA’s “Ride VIA to Vote” Returns
VIA Metropolitan Transit brings back its “Ride VIA to Vote” initiative for Election Day. Present your valid voter registration card to the bus or van operator and ride free on regular bus service, VIA Link, or VIAtrans paratransit.
Since launching this program in March 2016, VIA has provided more than 2,000 free trips for voters on election days.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Multiple Options
STAR Transit serves Kaufman County, Rockwall County, and parts of Dallas County with free rides to polling locations during both early voting weekdays (October 20-31) and Election Day. All services qualify—Demand Response, Fixed Routes, and STARNow.
To schedule a ride, call STAR Transit at (877) 631-5278 at least 30 minutes before your desired trip time. Or use the code Vote2025 in the STARNow app.
Why Cities Offer Free Rides
Transportation shouldn’t stop anyone from voting. Many Texans don’t have reliable access to cars, face parking challenges at busy polling locations, or need accessible transit options.
Free transit on Election Day removes that obstacle entirely. You vote on your schedule without worrying about fares, parking, or finding a ride.
Transit agencies report steady increases in riders using these programs each election cycle. In Houston, early voting locations near METRO stops see particularly high turnout during the free fare period.
Making Your Plan
Check your local transit agency’s website before Election Day to confirm routes and schedules. Some routes may have modified service or extended hours.
Download your transit agency’s mobile app ahead of time. Most apps let you search for polling locations, plan your route, and track real-time arrivals—making your trip smoother on Election Day.
If you use paratransit services, schedule your ride in advance. These services often require advance booking, especially on high-demand days like Election Day.
Beyond the Big Cities
Even if your city isn’t listed here, check with your local transit provider. Many smaller Texas transit systems offer similar programs on Election Day, though they may not advertise as widely.
Call your local transit office or visit their website to ask about Election Day transportation options.
Your Vote Matters
Seventeen constitutional amendments appear on every Texas ballot this November, covering property taxes, water infrastructure, parental rights, and more. Local races and measures may also appear depending on where you live.
Free transit gives you no excuse to skip voting. Pick your polling location, plan your route, and get to the polls on November 4.
Transit Agency Contact Information
Trinity Metro (Fort Worth/Tarrant County) Tell drivers you’re traveling to/from polls Services: All buses, TEXRail, On-Demand, TRE stations in Tarrant County
Houston METRO (Harris County) Show voter ID or approved documentation Services: All buses, light rail, curb2curb, METROLift Free rides: Early voting (Oct 20-31) AND Election Day Website: RideMETRO.org App: RideMETRO
CapMetro (Austin/Travis County) No ID required—all fares waived Services: All buses, trains, bikes, Pickup service Type “VOTE” in Trip Planner to find polling locations Website: CapMetro.org App: CapMetro
VIA Metropolitan Transit (San Antonio/Bexar County) Show valid voter registration card Services: Regular buses, VIA Link, VIAtrans paratransit Website: VIAinfo.net App: VIA goMobile+
STAR Transit (Dallas, Kaufman, Rockwall counties) Call ahead or use code Vote2025 in app Services: Demand Response, Fixed Routes, STARNow Phone: (877) 631-5278 (call 30 minutes ahead) Free rides: Early voting weekdays AND Election Day
Election Day Information Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. What’s on the ballot: 17 Texas constitutional amendments (plus local measures in some areas)
