Metro News

HAMILTON COUNTY, OH — Hamilton County Commissioners and Cincinnati Metro are proud to announce an enhanced partnership with the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) to offer free and discounted bus rides to veterans across the County. This initiative underscores the County’s commitment to supporting those who have served our country and ensuring they have access to essential transportation.

In the 2024 Budget Process, Hamilton County Commissioners emphasized supporting the VSC and budgeted an additional $20,000 to support free rides to veterans to and from VA medical appointments on all Metro buses simply by contacting the Veterans Services Commission for passes. 

Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus spearheaded the initiative: “We owe a great debt to our veterans and providing them with free transportation to medical appointments is a small but meaningful way to show our gratitude. This partnership with Cincinnati Metro enables us to give back to those who have given so much for our country.”

In addition, Commissioners are also supporting the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission’s Veterans Appreciation Day on July 20th at Great American Ballpark where Veterans and their families will enjoy a day of free food, resources and activities for the whole family. This free event honors our thriving Hamilton County Veteran community while also providing them with opportunities to connect with direct services and enjoy a day of celebration and camaraderie.

Commission President Alicia Reece created and introduced the idea of having the event totally devoted to those who served in our military so that thousands of Veterans and their families can better connect to Veterans’ services: “Our veterans have served our country and its important that we celebrate them and provide them the support that veterans and their families need.”

Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas added “This partnership with Metro will help eliminate one of the barriers Veterans face, allowing them easier access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. We also welcome all Hamilton County Veterans to our Appreciation Day so we can show them just how vital they are to success and vibrancy of our community.”

“Metro wants each and every Veteran to be able to access jobs, health care, and any other services they need,” said Darryl Haley, Metro CEO and General Manager. Through this partnership with Hamilton County and our Metro Veterans Program, we are proud to make it easier and more affordable for Veterans to connect within the community.”

President of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission Jean Wilson said it’s an honor to serve those who have served: “We are committed to building and leveraging partnerships like these to bring valuable resources to our brothers and sisters who have served.”

For Veterans Discount Bus Passes:
The Metro Veterans Program (MVP) is a discount program for military veterans and active-duty military personnel. Once approved, eligible participants will receive an MVP Card. This “tap and show” smart card will allow participants to ride Metro for half fare. More information about the MVP program can be found here.

For Free Medical Transportation:
For more information about this program or to learn how to obtain a veteran ID, please visit www.hcvsc.org or contact 513-946-3300.

To Register for the Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day:
Visit www.hcvsc.org for Veterans to register for the whole family!