EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Sun Metro has been awarded an additional $50,000 to continue providing free rides to veterans and their immediate families.
The Texas Veterans Committee General Assistance Grant was initially $50,000 but was recently increased to $100,000. The additional funds will be used for veterans and their dependents on the City’s Fixed Routes and the LIFT paratransit service, according to the City of El Paso news release.
“Our continued efforts to provide accessible transportation options reflect our commitment to serving the veterans in our community. We are proud to reinstate this program to support Veterans and their families,” said Sun Metro Director Anthony Dekeyzer.
The program offers free rides by giving the vet or family member 30-day passes for the Fixed or Brio busses, according to the news release by the City.
According to the City, the program is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to funding availability, with participants requesting new passes within one week of the current pass’ expiration date.
Eligible military vets will be able to schedule and ride LIFT paratransit services for free, according to the City.
To apply, veterans and their dependents can call Sun Metro at (915) 212-3333 or visit the Texas Veterans Commission Transportation Program and Services Free Fare website here.
Over 250 veterans and their families use the free services and the city expects more eligible people to sign up to use the program.
Participants who previously used the program do not need to reapply, they can call Sun Metro to confirm their information, according to the City.
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