Mayor Bowser, the Mayor’s Office for Veterans Affairs (MOVA) and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) has reintroduced the VetsRide program along with VIA, a transportation network company as the grantee. VetsRides is a citywide, on-demand shared ride program that provides veterans with access to free transportation service for medical, employment, low-income housing, or other opportunities to ensure the quality of life for veterans is enhanced.
Program eligibility is determined by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, which is defined as: a veteran resident of the District of Columbia and with annual income less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000). The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs may request documentation evidencing eligibility. Trips are restricted to within the borders of the District of Columbia, and the hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 6 am-10 pm.
"All of the DC veterans deserve a pathway to the middle class and access to their federal benefits, VetsRide provides that capability through transport to their medical, employment, housing and education appointments," stats Elliot Tommingo, Director of the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs.
The program is aimed at supporting Veterans as they re-engage within the DC community and workforce, and transportation is a crucial element of the process. Qualifying DC residents who are Veterans will be able to book up to four rides a month either directly through the use of VIA mobile app, or by dialing the call-center directly (301) 822-2429. In addition, Veterans are able to ride share with other veterans, a family member, or authorize caregivers to ensure a safe and reassuring transport experience.
Director of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, David Do, says, "VetsRides is an avenue for supporting and protecting our veterans’ health and quality of life. DFHV is proud to work with MOVA and our grantee, VIA, in helping to ensure that the District of Columbia has transportation services that provide access to health care, education and other opportunities for our Veterans. I am pleased that Mayor Bowser, the city council, and our stakeholders have supported this effort. DFHV will strive to extend the vital grant program into the future."
For additional information regarding DFHV and MOVA’s program, or to register for the program, please call either the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs at (202) 724-5454 for registration, or for further information regarding the program you can visit: https://ova.dc.gov/, or the Department of For-Hire Vehicles at (202) 645-7300 and ask for the grant division for additional information.