After a city committee decided not to offer free JeffTran bus rides on Election Day, a Jefferson City resident wants to offer solutions to get people to the polls.
Robert Pinhero, an educational and training consultant, started a GoFundMe page this week to raise money for people who want to vote but do not have access to transportation.
The money raised would help pay riders' bus or cab fares Nov. 6. Pinhero also is seeking volunteers to drive people to the polls on Election Day.
"I know from experience that a lot of people are registered to vote but either don't have any access to extra money or are too far away from a bus stop to walk there, for a variety of reasons like health reasons," he said. "I just think it's important for everybody to exercise their right to vote. It's important to our democracy and for people becoming civically engaged."
Those wishing to donate can visit gofundme.com/bus-fare-to-polls-on-election-day. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 5.
Pinhero decided to offer this service after the Jefferson City Public Works and Planning Committee decided last week not to pursue a proposal that would have made the JeffTran public transit service operate free on Election Day. The primary reason was potential loss of revenue, as the city would lose $2,000-$2,500 each day it offered free rides for fixed-route and Handi-Wheels buses.
Riders and volunteers can call Pinhero at 512-923-8752 or email him at [email protected] through Nov. 5. After volunteer drivers and riders contact Pinhero, he will pair up them up and have them exchange contact information.
Pinhero said he is still working out the logistics of dispersing funds to riders who need bus or cab fares.
Pinhero, who will be a volunteer driver himself, said he is not lobbying for particular issues or candidates.
"I think it's important for democracy to be inclusive, and most private groups that do this are really partisan," he said. "They're taking their constituents, and I'm not trying to restrict this to Republicans and Democrats. I just want to see people get out there and exercise their right."
The GoFundMe page had raised $30 as of Tuesday evening. While the page states the goal is $1,000, Pinhero said he would be pleased with $200.
Pinhero said he expects fewer than 100 riders to use the service Nov. 6.
Depending on its success, Pinhero may offer the service for future elections.
If all of the money is not used Nov. 6, he said, he will hold it for the next election or ask a local nonprofit to hold it.
Pinhero acknowledged there is a risk of someone abusing the service, but added it's up to individuals whether they want to use this outlet.