Two local cab companies will team up for Tuesday’s Election Day and offer free rides to polling places in Madison and the surrounding areas in an effort to promote democracy throughout Wisconsin.

Union Cab made the decision to offer free rides through its “Democracy in Motion” program two weeks ago and announced in a statement last week that Badger Cab Co. would be joining them.

Union Cab general manager Karl Schulte said the company is hoping to aid residents who have a difficult time voting. He said in one southwest Madison neighborhood, voters would have to cross a busy highway and walk more than one mile to get to their voting place if they do not own a car.

Schulte said neighborhoods like those had bad luck of the draw since the city limit lines are in awkward places. He added the company would be proud to help their “underserved and unfortunate neighbors” who are less likely to vote in the April nonpartisan election.

Badger Cab Co. joined the effort to help people who have difficulty getting to their polling place because of mobility issues that prevent them from traveling long distances from their home to the voting site, manager Tom Royston said in a statement. 

Royston said he is hopeful individuals who do not have adequate means of transportation would take advantage of the offer in order to “get out and vote.”

Along with Madison, the companies are offering free rides to polling places in Middleton, Monona, Maple Bluff, Fitchburg and surrounding areas.

Schulte said Union Cab invited all local taxi services, including Madison Taxi and Green Cab, to join them in the event. So far they have only heard from Badger Cab Co., but the invitation is still open for other companies.

“We’re tickled pink that Badger Cab has joined us,” Schulte said.

Both cab companies said they would be absorbing the costs of the cab rides. Schulte said Union Cab is also accepting donations to offset the costs of gas and insurance. So far, Schulte said the company has received a few smaller donations of around $20.

Schulte said Union Cab is excited about the program since this is their first time independently offering free rides on a voting day. He said the company has done a similar program in the past but a non-partisan group chartered the cabs for rides.

Unlike Union Cab, Badger Cab employee Richard Ades said his company has offered this type of program before, most recently in 2000. He said the response 11 years ago was somewhat underwhelming but he hopes for a better turnout this time.

The cab rides will be available from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. April 5, the statement said. The companies encourage residents to call in advance to set up an appointment. Voters can also call for a ride the day of the election but they might have to wait longer for a cab.

The statement said the cab companies are not able to guarantee service after 7:30 p.m. that day. Therefore, they request Madison residents call before that time and those living in outlying areas call even earlier.

The free rides would transport voters only from their home address to their polling place, the statement said. Residents can call Union Cab at 608-242-2000 or Badger Cab at 608-256-5566 to make a reservation.