The economy is top of mind this election year, so why not use one of the free or discounted rides to get to the polls?
WASHINGTON — One of the top concerns this election season is the economy, so WUSA9 has your back when it comes to cheap or free rides to the polls.
Whether you plan to walk, bike, drive or scoot to cast your vote, there is a discount code waiting to help make voting a little bit easier.
Rideshare Discounts and Scooting to the Polls
Uber and Lyft are both offering discount codes to encourage people to go out and vote.
"Over the years, Lyft has helped more than 3 million people exercise their right to vote and this year, we pledge to grow our ride volume to the polls by 25%," the Lyft website reads.
When riders use the code "VOTE24" they will receive a 50% discount (up to $10) when heading to the polls on Election Day. The code will be valid from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. in every time zone and applies to rideshare, bikeshare, and scooters.
Click here for more information.
Additionally, the NAACP announced in May that it was partnering with Lyft to offer another discount code, this one is good for up to two rides and covers $20 each. Riders will need to use the code NAACPVOTE24.
Uber is also offering a 50% discount to riders up to $10, however, their discount is not through a code but through a new section of the Uber app called "Go Vote." Users can also use the Go Vote tile to find their polling place.
The Uber discount will not be available in all states. The offer begins at midnight on Nov. 5 and expires at 11:59 p.m. on Election night.
It is important to note, the discount is only available for one trip.
Click here for more information.
E-scooter and E-bike sharing company Lime has partnered with the nonpartisan initiative When We All Vote, to increase voter participation and to close the race and age gap.
"Transportation should never be a barrier to participating in democracy," the Lime website reads. "While we can’t solve all the problems around our democracy, we can unlock part of it."
Lime says voters can use the promo code "VOTE2024" for free rides to and from polling places between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.
Click here for more information.
Maryland
In Montgomery County, the county Department of Transportation is offering free bus fare on County Ride On buses for Election Day.
"The free fare will help ensure that anyone who needs a ride to the polls will have one," the Montgomery County website reads.
The free bus fare will be in effect all day for all County buses including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash. Residents are encouraged to use the Ride On Trip Planner app to find the fastest route and look up real-time bus arrival information.
Click here for more information.
In Frederick County, the United Way partnered with Rides for Good of the Safe Ride Foundation and Transit Services of Frederick County to provide rides to some voters who request them.
Transit in the county is free to ride, but if that is not an option available to you, the organization says to complete a form to request a ride. The form must be submitted no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 4.
"Rides requested using the form above AFTER 12 PM on 11/4 are not guaranteed and will be granted on a case-by-case basis," the United Way of Frederick County website reads.
Round-trip transportation will be available and rides are free up to $26 each way when using RUN or Rides for Good.
Click here for more information.
Virginia
In Arlington, voters can contact the county's Democratic or Republican committees to help make transportation plans.
"If you need a ride to your polling place on Election Day, representatives from the two major political parties can assist you," the Arlington County website reads.
In Manassas, voters will need to contact their Democratic and Republican representatives to make transportation arrangements:
- Democratic Local Co-Chair - Gretchen Almstead, 703-772-6814
- Democratic Local Co-Chair - Cheryl Macias, 571-330-9429
- Republican Local Chair - George Ellis, 703-509-4363