Shelby County, TN addresses common obstacle to court date attendance with free bus pass pilot

Shelby County, TN Free Bus Pass Pilot Court Date Obstacle

In Progress

Shelby County Pretrial Services found that defendants often struggled with reliable transportation to court, thus contributing to warrants and jail time. The county approved the distribution of 200 free day passes to defendants with upcoming hearings. A $400 cost for transit passes is expected to be far exceeded by positive impacts on defendants and the court system. This pilot follows a successful trial of text reminders about upcoming court dates extended in late 2022.

Transportation Pilot / POC Criminal Justice System Equity

Shelby County, TN

County in Tennessee

United States

Newsworthy

Shelby County launches free bus pass pilot for defendants

The pilot launched this month with 200 passes, costing Shelby County just $400. The passes can be picked up at pretrial services in 201 Poplar.

With new text program, Shelby County helps people show up for court

The percent of people showing up for their court date improved from 73% to 97% among those eligible for the program.

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