Austin just experienced its hottest July on record. As August begins, we worry 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 we heard reports of 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 before. Now is the time to 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.

The issue of transportation access for our unhoused community extends far beyond the months of August and September. Everyday in Austin, people face barriers to access transportation. Without consistent transit access, everything else suffers–meeting medical appointments, accessing harm reduction services, finding housing, visiting food pantries, and so much more. It's critical that CapMetro work towards providing a permanent free fares program for our unhoused community.