To increase ridership, JeffTran is looking toward offering free ride days in the coming months, including possibly on Election Day, Nov. 6.
The Jefferson City Transit Advisory Committee approved a city-staff proposal to offer free rides on election days on Tuesday. The proposal will go to the Jefferson City Public Works and Planning Committee next month for consideration.
The Jefferson City Council would need to approve the proposal before it goes into effect.
Transit Division Director Mark Mehmert said residents have presented this idea multiple times since other cities, such as Columbia, have offered similar services.
"It's something we've heard repeatedly because people are interested in finding ways to get to the polls," Mehmert said.
Due to the tight timeline and city process, Mehmert said, it would be difficult to implement this proposal in time for the Nov. 6 election but not impossible.
The Public Works and Planning Committee or City Council will also need to discuss which election days the city could offer this service.
JeffTran will also offer its annual ride free day Oct. 8 for fixed routes.