Northeast News
October 26, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – In an effort to encourage voting on Tuesday, November 8, the KCATA has announced that all RideKC public transportation routes will be free on Election Day.
“Exercising the right to vote is so important that we want to make it as easy as possible to get to the polls,” said KCATA President and CEO Robbie Makinen. “We are grateful to our regional transit partners in Johnson County, Independence and KCK for agreeing to make this a truly regional transit initiative.”
The free fares will apply to routes serving Kansas City, Johnson County, Wyandotte County and Independence. Paratransit fares will also be free on Election Day.
“I simply cannot overstate the importance of getting out and voting on Election Day,” said Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James. “Voting is one of the most impactful ways residents can perform their civic duty and I am grateful to the KCATA and RideKC transit partners for doing their part to ensure all residents have an opportunity to make their voices heard on November 8.”
Mayor James and Makinen announced the free fares at a press event at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 24 at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, 1200 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. They were joined by Unified Government Mayor Mark Holland, Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, and Johnson County Commissioner Steve Klika.
Those wishing to plan their Election Day travel early can do so by calling 816-221-0660 and providing their starting address, as well as the address of their polling place. Customers can also plan their trip by going to RideKC.org and utilizing the Google Transit trip planner.