DCTA Salutes and Supports America’s Veterans

The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) announced that it will participate in the first Public Transportation Supports America’s Veterans Day on Monday, November 12 by honoring veterans working for DCTA and offering free rides to veterans and active military personnel on DCTA services, except paratransit on Saturday, November 10 and Monday, November 12 by showing their military IDs.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Public Transportation Supports America’s Veterans Day, is a day for public transportation systems and businesses to acknowledge and thank our country’s veterans. Second, it is a day to emphasis how important public transportation is for veterans whether it is for commuting to jobs, or traveling to V.A. medical centers or veteran service organizations.

“DCTA and its employees salute our nation’s veterans and thank them for their service,” said Jarod Varner, vice president of transit operations. “We are recognizing the veterans within our agency who work diligently to execute DCTA’s mission and serve DCTA passengers. Each veteran working within the agency or serving on the board of directors will receive a special pin in honor of their service and in celebration of Public Transportation Supports America’s Veterans Day.”

“We recognize the important role public transportation plays in getting veterans to work, to medical facilities and educational institutions,” said Jim Cline, DCTA president and retired Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. “DCTA looks forward to continuing to serve our veterans and is proud to honor them during this important holiday.”

Public Transportation Supports America’s Veterans Day also aims to bring greater awareness that public transportation jobs include skills veterans may already have obtained through their military service. Additionally, public transportation organizations already employ returning veterans. DCTA and its contractors currently employ 30 veterans who work in operations, maintenance and administrative roles, including DCTA’s president, Jim Cline. The agency also has an additional two who currently serve on the board of directors.

“Nationally, our industry is seeking to hire veterans, many of whom have skills that match jobs in the public transportation industry,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “We encourage veterans across the country to explore job opportunities at their local public transportation system. The skills that veterans have learned in the military may very well be transferable to a variety of jobs at a public transit system or a business that is part of the public transportation supply chain.”