MOLINE, Ill. — Local veterans can now travel by bus in the Illinois Quad Cities for free.
MetroLINK is offering Veterans Accessibility ID cards which give unlimited free rides for Metro's fixed route system.
The card lasts for three years, but can be renewed for free.
Transit officials said they worked with the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board to develop the program.
"We understand that transportation is a real need for veterans and being able to access quality affordable transportation is very critical to their well being," MetroLINK manager of administration Jennifer Hirsch said.
She added that studies from the Engagement Board showed that veterans primarily use bus transportation to access medical appointments and jobs.
"When [the board] came to us with this need, we knew we needed to rise to the occasion and be able to provide veterans with affordable transportation," Hirsch said.
Applicants must provide one of the following:
- State of Illinois or Iowa issued driver's license with an official "Veteran" designation
- Military Retirement Card with a photo
- VA Medical ID card
- Combination of DD214 and valid State of Illinois or Iowa ID card or Driver's License
Veterans must apply in-person at the Centre Station at 1200 River Drive in Moline, which is across from the Vibrant Arena.
The desk is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.