Star Journal staff

Two Rhinelander-based transportation businesses are offering voters free rides to the polls.

Rapid Cab has announced its free “Ride to Vote” program for people who may not otherwise be able to get to their voting location to early vote, deliver an absentee ballot or vote on Election Day. The program is underway and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polls close.

 Northwoods Transit Connections is providing free rides to the polls on Nov. 3. Transit manager Roger Youngren is encouraging everyone to call and schedule rides early, at 715-420-0585. For voting information, visit myvote.wi.gov or call 866-VOTE-WIS.

Rapid Cab’s Ride to Vote program allows trips within 10 miles of the Rhinelander city limits, for disenfranchised and marginalized people who may not have another way to vote. Reservations, made at least a day in advance, are recommended by calling 715-365-7433 after 1 p.m. Be prepared with the location, days and hours of operation of your municipal clerk or ballot drop box before scheduling a ride. This information can be located at myvote.wi.gov, or by calling 866-VOTE-WIS.

Rapid Cab is a Shared Ride Taxi Service which is currently requiring all drivers and riders to wear masks. There is a partition between the driver and back seat, and the cab interior is cleaned and disinfected between every couple of passengers.

Other information for the Ride to Vote program through Rapid Cab:

• Tell the dispatcher you are calling for the Free Ride to Vote program
• Give the dispatcher your pickup address and the address of your voting destination
• Confirm the ride will be covered by the program if either location may possibly exceed the 10-mile limit
• Leave a call-back number
• Be patient waiting for the cab to arrive