Veterans ride free program renewed through july 2026 | va wichita health care | veterans affairs

Seeking to improve the quality of life and independence of both homeless and recently housed Veterans, staff from Dole VA and United Way of the Plains conceived the idea of allowing Veterans

to ride Wichita city buses for free. Working with leaders at Wichita Transit, the Veterans Ride Free program was launched in July 2020. To watch a video of the benefits provided to

Veterans, CLICK HERE. While health and mental health care are front and center at VA, a whole health model is employed. That means success comes from being able to get to work, access food

and laundry facilities, attend church, community events, or engage in other activities that promote overall well-being. Thousands of Veterans have taken advantage of the program. Utilization

has grown from 40,337 rides taken on city buses in 2021 to 59,972 rides in 2023, an increase over two years of 48.7%. Veterans have reported a range of accomplishments resulting directly

from the program that support the whole health concept: being able to secure employment, reducing or eliminating food insecurity in the home, and reconnecting with family and friends being a

few examples. Given the program’s success and supported by funding from both VA and United Way, the Wichita City Council has reauthorized the program to run through July 2026.