No Car? No Problem—Oakland County Gives Vets Free Rides for Another Year

Photo byThomas ChartersonUnsplash

Veterans in Oakland County can continue to enjoy free, door-to-door transportation through September 2025, thanks to extended funding and partnership with local transit providers.

New Grant Ensures Vital Transportation Program Will Serve Veterans Another Year

PONTIAC, Mich. — Oakland County officials announced the extension of the “This Ride’s on Us” program, which offers free public transportation for veterans and their caregivers. Originally set to end on September 30, 2024, the program will now run through September 2025 thanks to an additional $530,000 grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

Launched in June 2024, the initiative has already provided more than 2,750 rides for veterans, helping them get to medical appointments, run errands, and connect with community centers. With 53,000 veterans in Oakland County—many of whom are over 65 and living with disabilities—the program aims to address transportation challenges and enhance quality of life.

“We are thrilled to extend this vital service,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to us all.”

Program Supports Independence and Mental Well-Being

The “Veterans Ride Free” program was developed to tackle practical transportation barriers many veterans face. While veterans have long had access to free transportation to county offices for benefits-related appointments, this expanded service allows them to travel for personal errands, social activities, and health-related visits, fostering greater independence.

Frank Withers, a retired Army sergeant from Waterford, shared how the program has improved his daily life. He uses the free rides to visit the Waterford Senior Center, where he finds community and relief from stress.

“It brings me to places like this here and makes my problems non-existent for a little while,” Withers said. “Being able to relax with my friends has been great for my mental health.”

According to SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell, the program plays a critical role in enabling veterans to engage with their communities and access necessary services. “By eliminating transportation barriers, we enable our veterans to participate actively in their communities. This initiative is essential for enhancing quality of life across Southeast Michigan.”

Local Providers Continue to Offer Services

The program operates in partnership with several transit providers, including the North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), People’s Express, and OPC Social & Activity Center. Working alongside SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation), these providers ensure that veterans have consistent access to transportation.

Garth Wootten, manager of Oakland County Veterans Services, noted that the program helps veterans beyond their individual needs. “They can get out and socialize, go to a senior center, and interact with other seniors. This isn’t just a transportation service—it’s a quality-of-life program for the veteran and their families.”

Veterans and caregivers can schedule free rides by calling 248-419-7984 and providing proof of service, such as a DD214 discharge paper or veteran ID.

For more information, visit oakgov.com/veterans.

Your Turn - Like This, or Hate it - We Want to Hear From You

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Consider sharing this story. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.

Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind Publications

• Michigan Stories - Unveiling the people, places, and events that make the Great Lake State unique, we'll explore hidden gems and must-do activities.
• Weird Political News - A sarcastic and insightful take on official news released by government sources, PACs, and public officials from across the U.S.
• Great Lakes Food & Fun - Michigan & Great Lakes Cuisine, Farm to Table, Local Recipes, & Places to Meet and Eat.

Explore Michigan's Thumb and the Great Lakes on ThumbWind.com.