The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) has announced that it will thank veterans with free bus rides on November 11, 2016, Veterans Day. Buses will display a message on exterior electronic signs, saying, “Thank you, Veterans!”
A veteran with proof of military service can ride for free on any GRTC route all day on Veterans Day.
GRTC’s CEO David Green said, “GRTC is grateful to honor veterans in our communities and among our riders. We are committed to responding to the needs of the communities we serve, following the examples set by veterans who responded to the needs of the country they served.”
GRTC provides direct access to important destinations for veterans, including the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA on the Route 60, Route 68 and Route 101. Every week GRTC provides transportation for more than 600 riders whose destination is McGuire. The Richmond Vet Center at Willow Lawn is about four blocks from the Broad and Staples Mill bus stops. The Henrico Benefits Office is serviced by Route 7 bus stops on Nine Mile Road.
Bus stops are also located at the Virginia War Memorial, serviced by both the Route 70 and Route 71. Visitors to the World War I Memorial Carillon in Byrd Park can also ride Route 4 and walk about a third of a mile to the Carillon. Riders of the Route 4 or Route 10 are about five blocks from the entrance to Hollywood Cemetery at Cherry and Albemarle. Richmond National Cemetery is also accessible by Routes 52, 53 and 56.
On Veterans Day, bus operators will accept any of these common forms of proof of military service: military ID card (active/reserve/retired); VA ID card; current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES); driver’s license with veterans designation; photograph in uniform; wearing uniform (if service permits); veterans organization card (e.g., VFW); or DD214 (discharge paperwork).
The core values demonstrated by veterans are proudly exemplified by many GRTC employees. GRTC currently employs 32 veterans, who prescribe to absolute integrity, competence and diligence in the performance of their duties at GRTC. This includes GRTC’s CEO, also known in the military as Colonel David Green, who has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1989.
