Friday, May 29, 2026

Pasadena Transit Waives Fares on Election Day to Get Voters to the Polls

The free service covers all bus routes and Dial-A-Ride paratransit, but paratransit users must book trips by Monday

Pasadena Transit and Pasadena Dial-A-Ride will offer free rides on Tuesday, June 2, Election Day for the Statewide Direct Primary Election, the city’s Department of Transportation announced this week.

The fare waiver, which eliminates the regular $0.75 base fare on all Pasadena Transit bus routes, joins a countywide pattern of free Election Day transit. Metro, LADOT, and Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus will also offer free fares on June 2, according to the city’s press release.

The free service extends to Pasadena’s paratransit system, which provides curb-to-curb rides for residents 60 and older and those with qualifying disabilities in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, and surrounding unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

Most Pasadena polling places and ballot drop boxes fall within a quarter-mile of a Pasadena Transit bus stop, according to the Department of Transportation. The city has offered free Election Day transit in prior cycles, including November 5, 2025, November 2024, and November 2020.

Dial-A-Ride users face a critical deadline. Trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, according to the city’s Dial-A-Ride page, meaning riders who want free service on Tuesday need to call by Monday. The Dial-A-Ride reservation line is (626) 791-7200, available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dial-A-Ride requires existing membership; same-day requests may not be accepted. On weekdays, the service operates from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., according to the city’s website.

“Transportation challenges can discourage participation, so Pasadena Transit is proud to offer free, convenient, and accessible service to voting sites on June 2,” the department said in its press release.

The press release cites 28.90% voter turnout in Los Angeles County for the March 2024 primary. Certified results from the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk put the final figure at 28.90%.

Riders can plan trips using the Transit app or by visiting www.pasadenatransit.net. General transit information is available at (626) 744-4055.

Joaquin T. Siques, the city’s Director of Transportation who announced the free service, was appointed to lead the department in March 2024. His transit team has recently conducted outreach at senior living communities including Pilgrim Towers and the Pasadena Senior Center, according to the City Manager’s weekly newsletter dated May 14, 2026.

The department’s press release did not specify whether Pasadena Transit would increase service frequency or extend hours on Election Day, as it did during the November 2020 general election.