INDIANAPOLIS — A bill under consideration in the Statehouse would prohibit "certain free or reduced public transportation fares on Election Day."
Senate Bill 187, authored by Sen. Gary Byrne, R-District 47, was introduced this week and referred to the Committee on Local Government.
IndyGo has traditionally offered free bus fares on Election Day, but a spokesperson told 13News it's difficult to gauge the specific impacts because "very little information is publicly available."
"However, in general, IndyGo is committed to connecting our community to economic, educational and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable and accessible transportation," IndyGo spokeswoman Carrie Black said. "Offering fare-free rides on Election Day and some holidays goes straight to the heart of our mission, removing barriers to ensure everyone has access to reliable transportation."
Byrne said the bill is an effort to ensure fairness.
"Senate Bill 187 would ensure all Hoosiers across the state have an equal opportunity to vote," Byrne said in a statement to 13News. "Not everyone, especially those in rural communities like mine, has access to public transportation, let alone incentives to vote through free public transportation. When the government pays for some voters' trips but not others, it looks like the government is picking who they want to vote. That takes a step back on our promise to improve election integrity and ensure fair elections for Hoosiers statewide."