Public Transit Agencies Thank Veterans with Free Rides and Year-Round Support

Public transportation agencies across North America are marking Veterans Day, November 11, by opening their buses, trains, and paratransit services to veterans and active military members at no charge. Many are pairing the free rides with ceremonies, employee tributes, and permanent programs that support those who have served.

Some of the countless agencies offering free service on Veterans Day include Maryland Transit Administration; NJ TRANSIT; Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada; San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), CA; Metro Bus, MN; and TransLink, British Columbia.

“The freedoms we enjoy and the strength of our nation are made possible by the extraordinary men and women who have answered the call to serve,” said RTC CEO M.J. Maynard-Carey. “While today provides a special opportunity to celebrate them, their contributions deserve our respect and appreciation year-round.”

In Washington, DC, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is thanking veterans on its specially wrapped bus, train, and Metro Access vehicles. RTD also wrapped a bus in tribute to veterans.

Beyond Veterans Day, RTC’s Veterans & Active Duty Reduced Fare Program offers a 50 percent discount, and the agency’s Veterans Medical Transportation Network provides door-to-door rides to medical appointments at no cost for veterans and their dependents. RTC recently posted a “Value of Transit” YouTube video that highlights public transit access for veterans.

A NJ TRANSIT program offers military personnel and their dependents one-way reduced tickets year-round. “Our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members have given so much to protect the freedoms we all enjoy,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “Welcoming them aboard as our guests on Veterans Day is one small way we can express our deep gratitude, and we carry that commitment throughout the year.”

Golden Empire Transit, CA, is offering free fixed-route and paratransit rides to veterans and active-duty military throughout November. Laketran and Geauga Transit, OH, is providing free rides to veterans from November 8-14, in addition to its year-round reduced fare for Lake County veterans.

“Providing free rides during Veterans Week is one small way we can express our gratitude and help make it easier for veterans to get where they need to go,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “It’s an honor to serve those who have served us.”

Agencies like IndyGo, IN, provide free fixed-route service for veterans year-round through its Veterans Pass. Similarly, Metro Bus, MN, provides fixed-route service for free for service-connected veterans.

Others are honoring employees who have served by sharing their stories. King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison wrote about the agency’s annual Veterans Day flag-raising and the experiences of three Metro veterans. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority shared a video highlighting “Five Veteran’s Stories,” about artwork planned for a future D Line station at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

Whether through a day of free fares, a month of service, or programs that run all year, transit agencies are finding ways to say thank you to those who have served.