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.
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.
Use has grown
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.
