Houston (October 20, 2008) –  Thanks to Vote NOW Houston, transportation challenges will not keep voters from going to the polls in Houston. The mission of Vote NOW Houston, a non-partisan organization, is to increase voter participation in the 2008 general election.

            “Early voting has begun,” said Robert Rugg, president of Yellow Cab. “To ensure that every voter has an opportunity to get to vote during early voting and on Election Day, Vote NOW Houston is sponsoring free Yellow Cab rides (up to $25 each way, per trip) to the voting booths.”

 “There are no screening criteria,” said Nikki Johnson of Vote NOW Houston, “the ride is for anyone who wants to take it, and based on the response we have been getting, it appears that people who don't need it aren't taking advantage of it.”

The rules of the program are simple:

• Reservations must be made through Yellow Cab's special ride-to-vote hotline at 713-428-5880 or by placing a request for service online through http://www.VoteNowHouston.com
• Voters must vote at the polling station closest to their point of origin.
• The total fare each way, including wait time, cannot exceed $25.00.  Any amount in excess of $25.00 is the responsibility of the passenger.  Free fare estimates are available at http://www.yellowcabhouston.com/mapquest/mapquest_ychouston.php

About Yellow Cab

Yellow Cab is Houston’s only computer dispatched taxi fleet.  With more than 1,200 independent contractor-operated cabs in the Houston area, Yellow Cab’s taxi service is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.  All cabs are equipped with digital cameras as well as Global Positioning Systems.  For more information, visit www.yellowcabhouston.com.