National Online Dialogue on Veterans' Transportation Ideas

We should discuss how to provide public transportation to all Veterans (at no cost to the Veteran), with fares reimbursed to the transit agencies by the Federal Government. To accomplish this, I suggest we redesign the VA ID Card so that the Federal Government can reimburse Public Transit agencies for providing transit services to all military Veterans.

From a policy standpoint, it would be ideal if the reimbursement... more »

i just read that Regional Valley Transit in Idaho has donated a wheelchair-accessible bus to Parma Senior Center. The Center will use the bus to provide transportation for two primary activities, one of which will be transportation to the Veterans Medical Center.

Is this a model of partnership (public transit and senior center) that it would be helpful to replicate in other communities?

Many older adults can use public transportation if they have someone to accompany them. With help from volunteer escort, older person can go to medical appointments, run errands. This idea can be easily adapted to veterans traveling to medical appointments.
Recommendation: Encourage the creation of volunteer escort programs; encourage transit providers to give free ride to escort/assistant. This kind of program exists... more »

Thanks to Secretary LaHood and the U.S. DOT team for their focus on improving transportation options for our active armed forces, military veterans, and their families. In reading the comments posted to date I am especially interested in the ones that involve public transportation and am further informed by this specific input from across America. The American Public Transportation Association and its members knows... more »

Para transit is a limited option in Putnam County NY. Only about one-third of the county is covered by fixed route public transit making that the area also covered by Para. The county provides the minimum coverage required by law, 3/4 mile from the fixed route. I would like to see Para requirements expanded beyond the 3/4 limit along with regional connections to surrounding counties.