Transit Agencies Offer Free Rides to the Polls Across Northeast Ohio

Transit systems across Northeast Ohio will hand voters free rides to the polls, with five agencies dropping fares for Election Day and rideshare discounts covering the rest. The offers run through Nov. 3, and some extend to early voting trips to boards of elections.

Akron METRO will waive fares on its METRO Direct and METRO ADA services on Nov. 3. Laketran in Lake County and Geauga Transit in Geauga County will carry riders free to polling places on Election Day and to their local boards of elections for early voting; both require reservations made at least a day ahead. Stark Area Regional Transit Authority will let all Stark County riders board at no charge Nov. 3. Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority said it will run its normal full-schedule weekday service that day.

For voters who cannot drive or lack a car, the offers fill a gap that transit managers say keeps people from reaching the polls or the grocery store. "If you want to go vote or even if you want to go to a grocery store, it's just very difficult," said WayGO Transportation Manager Kevin White. "They can't because they just don't have that access to transportation. It's a tough thing with a lack of density." WayGO began running service around Wooster in 2025 after a program covering all of Wayne County stopped for lack of funding. This year it will carry voters to the polls free, and Wooster residents can book a trip by calling its dispatch line.

Rideshare users have options too. The Vote to Live Foundation provides $25 to $30 vouchers for trips in Cleveland, Akron and Columbus, plus free Uber rides in Cuyahoga County. Lyft is cutting 50% off rides to polling places, up to $10, for riders who enter the code VOTE26 in the app before Election Day.

In counties without fixed routes, party volunteers are arranging cars. Carroll County Democratic Party Chair Dave Devey said his team coordinates rides when people ask. "Frankly, it's none of our business who they vote for," he said. "We just think it's important for everyone to have the opportunity to be able to vote."