rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/capmetro-heat-is-deadly-provide-free-fares-in-august?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-capmetro-heat-is-deadly-provide-free-fares-in-august' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Texas Harm Reduction Alliance https://actionnetwork.org/groups/harmreductiontx https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/377/567/normal/Tell_capmetro_Prioritize_saving_lives!_Free_fares_in_august!.jpg Austin just experienced its hottest July on record. As August begins, life-threatening conditions will only get worse, especially for those experiencing homelessness. Currently, CapMetro is supposed to provide free rides during excessive heat warnings–which don’t kick in unless temperatures are expected to reach 105 degrees or higher. Many people aren’t even aware of this policy. Others who are, are regularly turned away by bus drivers. Throughout July people reported CapMetro bus drivers refusing to let unhoused community members on the bus to get to cooling centers. They told potential riders: “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” “I can’t hear you,” “I don’t know what you’re saying,” and “I’ve heard nothing about this.” Sometimes drivers refused to stop at all to pick up riders they perceive as homeless at bus stops. Across the country, hundreds of people experiencing homelessness die of extreme heat every year. Heat stroke, mental health crises, and overdose deaths all increase during extreme heat. Lives are at stake, and we can’t rely on broken CapMetro policy. CapMetro has offered free rides in the past. Now is the time to step up and offer free rides again. CapMetro must provide free rides in August and September and prioritize keeping people alive during the hottest months our City has every seen. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/capmetro-heat-is-deadly-provide-free-fares-in-august