Each year in November, the nation pays tribute to all living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country, and this month the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) is reaching out to veterans in the community to help sign them up for free bus passes during two upcoming events. AVTA has long supported the men and women who have served the nation’s Armed Forces by providing free local bus service and by discounting fares on the commuter service. The upcoming outreach events will focus on reaching veterans who may be homeless and don’t know about the services available to them.
"Many of the difficulties that our local veterans face every day, such as homelessness, unemployment, and health issues, can be lessened by having access to public transportation," stated AVTA Board Chair Marvin Crist. "We want to honor our veterans, and their sacrifices while serving our country, by helping them get to the places they need to go to get assistance, so they can live more independently."
AVTA will be at the Veterans Resource Fair at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster on Monday, November 9, from 9:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. The event is presented by U.S. Representative Steve Knight, and several service organizations from around California's 25th Congressional District will talk about the resources they offer to former service members.
On Saturday, November 14, the agency will also be at Grace Chapel in Lancaster from 9:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. for the 12th annual “Welcome Home! Veterans Outreach”, presented by the Antelope Valley Veterans Outreach Committee. The event will provide veterans with a host of services including clinical assessment and referrals to needed medical treatment, as well as help with employment and legal aid.
During both events, AVTA will be taking applications and photos to create a laminated AVTA Veterans Card that can be used to access local transit services for free. AVTA customer service representatives will be on hand to process applications and the $2 application fee will be waived. The cards will be mailed out the following week, and if no address is provided, the cards can be picked up at Grace Resource Center.
Veterans and active military personnel may also apply for the military identification card at the AVTA office, located at 42210 6th Street West in Lancaster. Proper documentation, such as a DD214 Form or veteran identification card along with a $2 processing fee is required.
“AVTA has the highest respect for the men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. They are the protectors of our freedom and liberty, and we are proud to support and honor them,” said Executive Director Len Engel.
