The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) has announced fares will be waived on the Metro fixed route system for any veteran who enrolls in MetroLINK’s new Veteran Accessibility ID Program.
Qualified veterans now are eligible to apply for a MetroLINK Veteran Accessibility ID Card, which will give them unlimited access to the Metro fixed route system for three years.
The transit provider said the program is in response to what the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) has identified as pressing needs of Quad Cities area veterans.
“After learning that many veterans lack affordable access to transportation for medical appointments and job opportunities, our board of trustees answered the call to implement a program to help those veterans access their critical needs,” Jennifer Hirsch, manager of administration for MetroLINK, said in a news release. “We are grateful to our partners at the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board for bringing this to our attention and working with us to implement this much needed program.”
To enroll in the program, applicants must apply and present required documentation in person at MetroLINK’s Centre Station, 1200 River Drive, Moline, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An applicant must provide one of the following:
- State of Illinois or Iowa issued driver’s license carrying an official “Veteran” designation.
- Military Retirement Card with a photo.
- VA Medical ID card.
- A combination of a DD214 and valid State of Illinois or Iowa ID card or driver’s license.
Approved veterans will receive a special photo ID card that must be presented to the bus driver upon boarding to receive the waived fare benefit. This ID card is valid on Metro fixed routes only.
“Our community is phenomenal at collaborating to serve those in need,” said Sherri Behr DeVrieze, UnityPoint Health – Trinity military program coordinator and the CVEB co-chair. “MetroLINK responded to our call to provide a needed service to veterans who will now have better access to health care, employment, and community resources through these transportation services.”
For more information on the program, call MetroLINK at (309) 788-3360 or visit metroqc.com.
