Free Cab Rides to Polling Places in Oakland

From Bay City News Service:

Getting to the polling places in Oakland just got a little easier. Oakland-based Friendly Cab announced Monday that it would offer free taxi rides to residents going to and from their polling place.

Considered the first program of its kind, the free rides will give voters a chance to vote or drop off absentee ballots from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

The company plans to provide up to 25 taxis to shuttle voters, and the cabs will be dispersed throughout the city "in the most equitable way possible," according to a statement released by Friendly Cab.

"Every voter must be able to cast a ballot without interference or discrimination, and no one should be restricted from participating in this process because of concerns about safety or the lack of transportation," Friendly Cab director Dhar Mann said in the statement.

Residents who wish to participate in the program are asked to request an "Election Day Voter Taxi" to ensure they are not charged a fare and to make for a shorter wait.

The number for the cab dispatcher is 510 536-3000. To find your polling place, call the voter assistance hotline at 800 345-VOTE.