VETERANS ON THE GO Celebrates second anniversary; providing 1,400 free rides monthly

After two years of service VETERANS ON THE GO is providing 1400 free rides every month. (submitted photo)

The following is a paid advertisement.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Klamath Falls is home to thousands of U.S. military Veterans and our community is proud of its military heritage and the local military presence that protects our nation’s freedom. Celebrating our Klamath Falls Veterans on Veterans Day demonstrates the pride the community and the many local organizations have for our Veterans, including Basin Transit Service Transportation District (BTS).

In November 2020, BTS launched VETERANS ON THE GO, meeting a critical need in the Veteran community by providing free rides. During the first month of the program BTS provided 49 rides then and now provides over 1,400 free rides to Veterans each month. 

VETERANS ON THE GO was established in cooperation with Basin Transit Service Transportation District, Klamath County Veteran Affairs, and Oregon Department of Transportation to connect Veterans to healthcare within Klamath County’s rural communities.  Through the program, Veterans can receive free public transportation upon acquiring the free Klamath County Veterans Appreciation Card.

Assisting Veterans with their transportation needs so they can receive healthcare is critical to their health.

Medical understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder has improved in the last few years. Therapy options that had not been considered are now available, and BTS is ensuring that transportation is not a limiting factor for accessing them.

An example is Solid Ground, offering a mental health alternative to Veterans that does not include prescription medications, or traditional psychotherapy – but rather the use of horses.

“Basin Transit has been instrumental in enabling participation consistency for Veterans that benefit from our services. One Veteran who had lost confidence in other transportation options is now a regular with us because of BTS. We witnessed an astonishing positive transformation in his quality of life, and he is now even a contributor to the wellbeing of other Veterans” said Shelley Trumbly, Solid Ground Executive Director.

Also, local organizations including the VA reported that VETERANS ON THE GO contributed to a dramatic decrease in missed medical appointments, which increased the number of appointments available to other Veterans and positively influenced some chronic illness treatments. 

The benefits of free public transportation for Veterans extend beyond access to healthcare; BTS is connecting Veterans to services and organizations such as the YCMA where Veterans socialize and exercise, enhancing grocery and other shopping opportunities to take advantage of sales, and enabling them to partake in community events and activities such as last week’s Hero’s Breakfast.  

Additionally, VETERANS ON THE GO is providing benefits to Veteran families, requiring less of their time to transport their Veteran, reducing absenteeism at work, and enhancing the ability to participate in social activities without having schedule conflicts.

Following VETERANS ON THE GO's success within District boundaries, BTS is now building awareness among Veterans in southern Klamath County about Basin Connect, a new public transportation program that began service in October of this year connecting towns, cities, and communities to Klamath Falls.  Concurrently, BTS is exploring public transportation options in northern Klamath County to address Veterans’ and the general population needs.

Click here to learn more about the VETERANS ON THE GO program.