Regional Transit Service (RTS) Unveils Themed Bus to Honor Military Veterans
A specially wrapped bus, dedicated to expressing gratitude for military veterans, was revealed by the Regional Transit Service (RTS) at a press conference on Friday, November 10, 2023. This uniquely designed bus will make its inaugural appearance at the 2023 Veterans Day parade on Saturday, November 11, and will continue to operate throughout the entire month of November.
RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez conveyed, “RTS, in collaboration with our partners at ATU Local 282 and Teamsters Local 118, aimed to express gratitude to military veterans within the RTS team and the broader community for their selfless service to our country. Wrapping one of our buses in a distinctive theme serves as a lively and conspicuous way to extend our thanks. With 89 military veterans currently part of the RTS team, it is a privilege to work alongside them. Our collaboration with the Veterans Outreach Center and Monroe County Veterans Service Agency underscores our commitment to supporting military veterans in our community, and we look forward to furthering this crucial initiative.”
The Veterans-themed bus is not the sole manifestation of RTS's appreciation for veterans. In July 2020, RTS, in conjunction with the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC), initiated a program enabling military veterans to ride RTS fixed-route buses for free. To date, over 1,400 veterans have availed themselves of more than 600,000 complimentary rides through this program. Veterans seeking a customized pass can visit the VOC office at 447 South Avenue in Rochester, where they must provide proof of their military service, typically in the form of their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), and complete a straightforward application process. The VOC case management team will then process the veteran's information and conduct a brief interview before issuing the Veteran’s Pass. Further details can be found on the VOC website at https://veteransoutreachcenter.org/rts.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of ATU Local 282, President John Trott stated, “If not for our Military Veterans, there would be no Union, Bus Company, or Communities. ATU 282 thanks all Veterans for your sacrifices that help keep America safe.”
Teamsters Local 118 President Tim Barbeto commented, “This bus is a testament to what RTS stands for and a tribute to our Veterans who greatly deserve it. Welcome home.”
Laura Heltz, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center and US Army Veteran, emphasized, "Empowering veterans with free bus passes isn't just a ride; it's a journey towards gratitude, connecting service to society through the partnership of VOC and RTS."
