TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Feb 2, 2023

Shelby County has launched a pilot program that will offer free bus passes for those in need of a ride to their court appearance, the Commercial Appeal reports. With the goal of making it easier for people to get to court, the program has started with 200 bus passes, costing the county $400 and the cost of posters. If the program works, there will also be a cost savings to the government in not having to jail people who miss their court dates. Every bus pass will be logged, with the county tracking whether the program helps people show up for court. The passes are "day passes" for the Memphis Area Transit Authority. After the pilot, the county will discuss whether data warrants expansion of the program, just as they did with the successful texting program, which sent defendants court date reminders via text.