SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – City Utilities is gearing up to celebrate Transit Appreciation Week from June 22–26 with a big announcement. City Utilities will now offer free transit rides on all election days, beginning with the August 4, 2026, election. The initiative is designed to improve accessibility, reduce transportation barriers and help ensure all residents have a convenient way to reach their polling place and participate in the democratic process.
In addition to announcing free rides on election days, City Utilities will celebrate Transit Appreciation Week by recognizing the customers and employees who make public transit possible.
Activities planned for the week include:
- Monday, June 22 – Customer Appreciation Day. Riders can stop by the Transit Center for a thankyou gift from 6:00 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last.
- Tuesday, June 23 – Dispatcher Appreciation Day. This is a day to acknowledge the dedicated dispatchers who keep routes on track and buses coordinated behind the scenes.
- Thursday, June 25 – Dump the Pump Day. All rides on The Bus are free. It’s the perfect chance to give your car a break and explore Springfield by transit.
- Friday, June 26– Driver Appreciation Day. Riders are encouraged to show their appreciation for CU Transit’s drivers and the service they provide every day.
Anyone interested in trying transit during the week can download and use MyRide SGF, the official City Utilities Transit app. MyRide SGF helps riders plan trips, check stop times, and track buses in real time. The app is free and available in all app stores. This week is also a great time to follow The Bus on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for the latest updates from CU Transit.
Free Rides on Election Days
City Utilities is proud to provide free rides on its transit system during all future election days, helping make voting more accessible for residents throughout the community. The City Utilities Transit Center already serves as a central polling location during elections.
“We are thankful to City Utilities Transit for supporting voter access in our community,” said Shane Schoeller, County Clerk for Greene County. “We never want reliable transportation to be a barrier for voters, and this change helps citizens have the opportunity to participate in our elections. We appreciate this partnership and the commitment to strengthening civic engagement across Greene County.”
In 2025, CU Transit provided more than 1.1 million passenger trips and logged over 73,000 hours of service. The system operates 14 fixed routes with a fleet of 27 full-size buses and 8 demand response vehicles. More information, including route maps and schedules, can be found at CUTransit.net.
CLICK HERE to view the news release ‘Passengers to Enjoy Free Rides During Transit Appreciation Week and Election Days‘ from City Utilities.
For more information about City Utilities, CLICK HERE.