Norfolk, VA — In a move intended to make voting more accessible, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) announced that all public transit services—including buses, light rail, ferry, paratransit, and OnDemand rideshare—will be fare‑free on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Hampton Roads Transit
Why This Matters
HRT’s decision aims to remove a financial barrier for voters, helping ensure that lack of transportation doesn’t prevent people from making it to the polls. Hampton Roads Transit+1 William E. Harrell, HRT’s President and CEO, emphasized that this free-fare policy is part of the agency’s effort “to facilitate mobility” and support civic participation. Hampton Roads Transit
How It Will Work
- No fare required: On that day, riders won’t pay for any HRT mode of transit. Hampton Roads Transit+2Hampton Roads Messenger+2
- Wide coverage: The free-ride offer covers all routes and transit types in the HRT network. Hampton Roads Transit
- Timing: The free ride period begins at midnight and lasts throughout the day of November 4, 2025. Hampton Roads Transit
HRT’s Free‑Fare Program
Election Day is one of four annual free‑fare days that HRT offers to encourage ridership and promote equity. The other free‑fare days include:
- Transit Equity Day
- Earth Day
- Juneteenth Hampton Roads Transit+2Hampton Roads Messenger+2
What Riders Should Do
- Check polling location and transit routes in advance, using HRT’s system map or Virginia’s Department of Elections resources. Hampton Roads Transit+1
- Plan your trip ahead of time to avoid delays or confusion on Election Day, when ridership may increase significantly.
Image Credit- Hampton Roads Transit
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