METROLINK ROLLS OUT VETERAN ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM FOR QUALIFIED VETERANS
Moline, IL- 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. Beginning November 1, 2022 qualified veterans are eligible to apply for a MetroLINK Veteran Accessibility ID Card. Qualified veterans with a valid MetroLINK Veteran Accessibility ID Card will be allowed unlimited access to the Metro fixed route system, for a period of three years.
The program is in response to the needs of veterans identified by the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB). “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,” said Jennifer Hirsch, Manager of Administration for MetroLINK. “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 Centre Station, 1200 River Drive, Moline, IL, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicant must provide one of the following: a) State of Illinois or Iowa issued driver’s license carrying an official “Veteran” designation; b) Military Retirement Card with a photo; c) VA Medical ID card; or d) 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 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. 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”, said Sherri Behr DeVrieze, Military Program Coordinator, UnityPoint Health – Trinity and Co-Chair, QC CVEB.
MG (ret) Yves Fontaine, President, Fontaine Consulting, LLC and Member, QC CVEB echoed the sentiment by stating “Once again, the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and MetroLINK are stepping up to the plate to support their veteran community by taking action and providing transportation services to veterans in need of such support. Thank you MetroLINK!”
Contact: Jennifer Hirsch, [email protected]; 309-786-2705, or 309-235-9945
