Oct 9, 2024
Cleveland VOTES, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) and the Cleveland Foundation today announced that all customers can ride free on GCRTA buses, rail and paratransit on Election Day – Tuesday, November 5.
“Ride Free And Vote” is aimed at giving all voters an equitable opportunity to cast their vote by leveraging free and reliable transit to get to and from their polling locations. The free fares are underwritten by a $105,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation.
"We are ecstatic about the generous grant award provided by the Cleveland Foundation to underwrite a ‘fare free’ Election Day on November 5th for the citizens of Greater Cleveland,” said India L. Birdsong Terry, GCRTA general manager and CEO. “With this financial support, GCRTA can do our part to ensure residents’ access to safe, reliable transportation on Election Day – we hope this initiative helps boost historic voter participation, one constituent at a time.”
While early voting is increasingly common in the weeks before the election, about half of voters still vote in person on Election Day.
"Ride Free And Vote is a powerful community commitment toward ensuring that all Greater Cleveland voters have equitable access to participate in the democratic process,” said Lillian Kuri, president and CEO, Cleveland Foundation. “We are incredibly proud to support this important effort in partnership with Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Cleveland VOTES.”
In addition to supporting the Ride Free And Vote campaign, Cleveland VOTES is offering additional resources and engagement opportunities to ensure voters are ready for Election Day on November 5.
"Cleveland VOTES is honored to partner with the Cleveland Foundation and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority for the Ride Free And Vote campaign” said Erika Anthony, co-founder and executive director, Cleveland VOTES. “Our organization strives to reduce barriers for voters, and making public transportation free of charge on Election Day will enable more voters equitable access to their polling locations. Let's get #ElectionReady and turnout the VOTE."
Customers can ride free on GCRTA transit anywhere in Cuyahoga County without a fare or tickets from 3 a.m. November 5 until 3 a.m. November 6. For more information, please visit RideFreeNov5.org.