Travis County commissioners approved a pilot program that will provide free Capital Metro passes to jurors at their May 21 meeting.

Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a pilot program May 21 that will provide free mass-transit passes to jurors to encourage a less expensive and more environmentally conscious transportation option.“This new project will further encourage jury service, support a positive customer experience and positively impact the environment by reducing car transportation,” according to a brief prepared by county staff.It also aligns with the county’s goals to reduce commutes and traffic congestion in the area.Capital Metro will provide up to 500 transit passes annually for distribution to jurors. The passes will apply to fixed-route bus and MetroRail services as well as MetroAccess paratransit services.The county will reimburse Capital Metro for each transit pass at a reduced rate of 70% of the current fare, per the terms of the agreement.Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who represents Precinct 3, requested quarterly reports on the program and its impact.“Sometimes these passes can kind of get gamed, if you don’t watch it,” Daugherty said.