SMART Rolls Out Free Rides on Election Day to Empower Voter Access

When the stakes are high, and every vote counts, access to the ballot box must be a given, not a privilege. On November 5, 2024, SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) is offering a crucial service to voters across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. All day long, from midnight until 11:59 p.m., SMART’s buses and services will be free, removing a significant barrier to voting for communities that rely on public transit.

“Voting is a fundamental right, and transportation should never stand in the way of someone making their voice heard,” says SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell. For SMART, this initiative goes beyond typical transit services. It’s a commitment to community, reflecting their mission of being not just a transit provider but a partner in the democratic process. Ferrell’s words resonate deeply—transportation, a basic need, shouldn’t limit access to something as essential as voting.

This effort is SMART’s second time providing free rides on Election Day, and its impact is invaluable. By eliminating fare costs, SMART is helping those who may face financial or logistical hurdles to participate fully in democracy. Fixed Route buses, SMART Flex, Connector Services, and ADA Paratransit options will all be available for free, ensuring that this offer extends to those with disabilities and other specialized transit needs. Each service covers significant areas, making polling places more accessible to people from all walks of life, whether they’re catching a bus from a major corridor or relying on curb-to-curb services in their neighborhoods.

As Ferrell emphasizes, “This is the second time we’ve provided free rides on Election Day, and it reflects our continued commitment to being a pillar in the community.” For SMART, Election Day is another opportunity to be a resource and a partner to the people they serve every day. It’s an acknowledgment that the journey to the polls, like democracy itself, should be accessible to everyone.

Public transit is an infrastructure of equality. With this initiative, SMART is not only facilitating access to voting but also reinforcing the idea that public systems must serve public good, especially when it comes to protecting our rights. For residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, the impact of a free ride can mean the difference between casting a ballot or sitting one out, making this service a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout and civic participation. SMART’s initiative not only eases that burden but reinforces the role of public infrastructure in supporting civic duty. By making it easier to get to the polls, SMART is not only connecting people to destinations but connecting them to their rights.

In a democracy, barriers to the ballot undermine collective power. SMART’s free Election Day service reaffirms the organization’s position as more than just transit; it’s a pillar of empowerment for communities that count on it. The accessibility of public transit is vital for a fair election, and SMART’s role in facilitating this ensures that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a fair shot at the voting booth.

More information on SMART’s Election Day services can be found at smartmovesus.org.

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