Free Rides to the Polls in San Antonio: Ride VIA Free on Election Day (Tue, Nov. 3)

No ride is no excuse this year: on Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — VIA buses and vans are free for voters all day in San Antonio. Here is exactly how the free ride works, what to bring, and when the polls are open. This page is pure logistics — where, when, and how — with nothing about who to vote for.

The short version

What: Free VIA bus and van rides for voters on Election Day
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (polls open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
How: Show your voter registration card to the bus or van operator when you board
Early voting: Regular fares apply — the free rides are Election Day only

How the free ride works

1. Plan your polling place. Bexar County uses vote centers — on Election Day you can vote at any polling location in the county, not just one assigned place. Pick the one closest to your bus route.
2. Board any VIA bus or van and show your valid voter registration card to the operator. That is the whole fare — the ride is complimentary under VIA’s “Ride VIA to Vote” program, which covers municipal, state, and federal election days.
3. Ride back the same way after you vote — show the card again.

VIAtrans riders: the program covers vans too — book your trip as usual and show your registration card to the operator.

What to bring (two different cards, two different jobs)

• Your voter registration card — this is what makes the bus ride free. (Lost it? You can still vote with photo ID — the ride just is not covered without the card. A replacement card comes from the Bexar County Elections office.)
• An approved photo ID to vote — a Texas driver’s license or state ID, U.S. passport, or another approved photo ID. The registration card gets you the ride; the photo ID gets you the ballot.

Poll hours and good-to-know rules

• Polls are open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 3. If you are in line by 7:00 PM, you can vote — stay in line.
• Curbside voting is available at polling places if you cannot physically enter — ask a poll worker when you arrive.
• The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail (October 23) has passed — Election Day voting is in person.
• Check your registration and find polling locations at VoteTexas.gov or with Bexar County Elections at (210) 335-8683.

While you are out — check the help your family may be missing

Voting is one day. The benefits checker is every day: food support, utility help, health care, childcare assistance, and more that San Antonio families qualify for and never claim. It takes about 2 minutes:

Check what you qualify for — free, about 2 minutes

Neighbors helping neighbors

This guide was free. If it helped your family, $3 a month keeps this running for the next family. $3 a month helps pay for the hosting and the checking that keeps this help free and up to date.

$3 a month — chip in

Gifts are not tax-deductible.

Helpful links & phone numbers

• VIA Metropolitan Transit — Ride VIA to Vote: viainfo.net/community-initiatives · Customer service (210) 362-2020
• Bexar County Elections: (210) 335-8683
• State voting info: VoteTexas.gov
• Any benefit, any time: call 2-1-1 (free, 24/7)