New “Patriot Pass” Gives Disabled Veterans Free METS Bus Rides

A brand-new program is giving disabled veterans one less thing to worry about by providing free rides on Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) buses through the new Patriot Pass. It's a three-year pilot program launched through a partnership between the City of Evansville, the Evansville VA Healthcare Center, and METS, and it's designed to help eligible veterans stay connected to the people and places that matter most.

Who Qualifies for the Patriot Pass Program Rides?

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% can qualify for the Patriot Pass, allowing them to ride METS buses at no cost. This will improve their ability to get to a doctor's appointment, head to work, pick up groceries, or simply enjoy everything Evansville has to offer. Simply put, the program aims to make transportation one less obstacle in everyday life.

How a Community Idea Became Reality

One of the most encouraging parts of this story is how the program came to life. The idea didn't originate in a government office—it came directly from the community. During one of Mayor Terry's Traveling City Hall meetings, a resident identified transportation as a challenge for disabled veterans. Rather than letting the suggestion fade away, city leaders worked with community partners to turn that feedback into a real solution.

How Veterans Can Apply

Signing up for a Patriot Pass is straightforward. Eligible veterans can register at the METS Administrative Office at 601 John Street or at the Evansville VA Healthcare Center. To make things even easier, METS representatives will be available at a booth inside the VA Clinic on the first Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to answer questions and assist with registration. Veterans can also download a registration form and mail it to the METS Administrative Office. You can learn more about all of the METS programs HERE.

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Applicants will need to bring a valid photo ID along with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determination letter verifying a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.