List of free, discounted rides in Metro Detroit on Election Day

With early voting underway and Election Day less than a week away, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is sharing resources to ensure voters have a way to get to the polls to cast their ballots.

Benson published a list, produced by MichiganVoting.org, of nonpartisan organizations and businesses that offer free and low-cost rides to early voting locations and on Election Day.

Free trips to the polls are possible thanks to the passage of HB 4568, which lifted the ban on renting transportation for travel to polling places.

“It is important that transportation does not impede any eligible Michigan citizen and their access to the polls,” Benson said. “I’m glad MPs worked to lift the ban on providing rides to polling places, and I’m grateful to the organizations that stepped in to provide transportation to citizens who need it to vote. These services will be essential for many, especially senior citizens and voters with disabilities, to ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard in this election.”

Here are free and low-cost transportation options for Michigan voters:

Free rides for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park

The Detroit Bus Company will offer free rides to residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park on Election Day. To request a ride, people can visit Detroit Bus Company website.

“Voting is one of the most essential actions we can take as citizens,” said Andy Didorosi, owner of DBC. “We will also have done our duty as a local transportation organization if we can help even a handful of Detroiters of all stripes make the trip on Election Day who might not otherwise be able to do so. That’s a win in my book.”

Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also provides free rides to and from the polls on Election Day for residents of these three communities and for residents of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods. Voters can request a ride by calling 888-328-4283 or emailing [email protected].

Free classes for Metro Detroit residents

Detroit Downriver APRI is offering rides for Metro Detroit residents through November 5th. Classes are available to residents of the following communities:

• Allen Park

• Brownstown

• Detroit

• Corses

• Inkster

• Lincoln Park

• Oak Park

• Red River

• River view

• Southfield

• Southgate

• Taylor

• Trenton

To request a ride, voters must complete online form on the APRI Detroit Downriver website.

Free SMART bus courses

SMART, serving Southeast Michigan, is offering free bus rides all day on November 5th.

“We are proud to support our community’s right to vote by offering free fares all day on November 5,” said Dwight Ferrell, CEO of SMART. “This initiative aligns with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s efforts to increase voter access and participation in Michigan. At SMART, we believe in facilitating civic engagement and ensuring that transportation is never a barrier to voting.”

Free Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus rides.

The Capital Area Transit Authority, which serves the Lansing area, is offering free rides systemwide now through Nov. 5. The free classes are for people participating in any voting-related activity, such as registering to vote or picking up a drop-in ballot. box.

To get the free ride, a person will only need to notify the bus driver of their intended voting activity.

“The Capital Area Transit Authority has offered free rides on Election Day since 1988, and we’ve worked hard to build on that legacy over the past few years,” said Nathan Triplett, CATA Board Chair. “After voters approved Proposition 2 in 2022, establishing their constitutional right to vote early in every state and federal election, the value of public transportation to promote greater voter participation and improve equity and access to the polls for all eligible voters, has become more significant than ever. Our core competency – providing the public with safe and reliable transport – is especially important to those who do not have or cannot afford transport. Transport should never be a barrier to participation in democracy.”

Discounted rides Lyft, Uber

Lyft is offering 50% discount on rides for voters on election day.

A voter can get 50% off a trip to or from a polling location on November 5 by using the discount code: VOTE24.

Uber is also offering a 50% discount. travel to polling places on election day. The voter will receive this offer when they use the ‘Go Vote’ track to book a race.

For a complete list of free and discounted races at the polls and early voting sites, visit MichiganVoting.org website.