The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced Tuesday that starting on Election Day, it will be partnering with Uber for a one-year pilot program to offer on-demand app-based rides for customers.
The program would provide customers with access to polling places on Election Day and access to other rail stations when normal MARTA service is disrupted and require supplemental bus service.
“MARTA is proud to launch this program on Election Day, recognizing that we serve 20 percent fewer polling locations across our jurisdictions while we are still in Essential Bus Service due to COVID-19. MARTAConnect2Vote will help ensure that customers trying to reach the 99 polling places on suspended bus routes can vote,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Moving forward, MARTAConnect will be a great resource for riders to keep them moving when we undergo state of good repair work on the system or when unforeseen service issues arise.”
Customers unable to get to their polling precinct due to suspended bus routes can access a two-trip $16 voucher for an Uber ride. The voucher will be downloaded to their Uber app and can be used to subsidize their trip to and from the polls.
The vouchers only work for the 99 voting precincts that are not covered by MARTA’s Essential Service Plan. Additionally, riders are responsible for any amount over $8 per trip. The vouchers are also valid only on Election Day – from 5 a.m. until midnight.
After Election Day, MARTAConnect will be available to customers who experience rail system disruptions that require supplemental bus transportation. During the disruptions, MARTA will again provide users with an Uber voucher so customers can travel to the next rail station that isn’t impacted by the disruption to continue their trip.
Vouchers will range in value between $3 and $10 and will be geo-fenced to the station or stations impacted. If a customer chooses to take Uber to their destination rather than the next rail station, the customer would be responsible for any costs beyond the voucher’s value.
“Uber is proud to partner with MARTA to help transport citizens to and from the polls so that they can exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said David Reich, Head of Uber Transit. “This program demonstrates MARTA’s continued commitment to serving their community with innovative solutions that put their riders first.”