Dauphin County Commissioners and Capital Area Transit now offering veterans free rides to Lebanon VA Medical Center

HARRISBURG, PA (October 7, 2019) – After hearing about the difficulty some veterans have getting to medical appointments, the Dauphin County Commissioners partnered with Capital Area Transit to provide free rides to the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

“We want to make sure our veterans receive the care and support they deserve,’’ said board Chairman Jeff Haste. “This new service ensures they receive treatment at the Lebanon VA without worrying about how they will get to their appointments.’’

  • Shuttles leave from the Burger King at 3253 Paxton St. at 7:20 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and arrive at the Lebanon VA by 8:30 a.m. Shuttles leave the VA at 12:30 p.m., and riders can be dropped at home or the Burger King.
  • Riders need to complete an application before reserving rides. All rides must be made by noon the day before, or noon Friday or Monday rides. Call 800-303-1904 to schedule a ride.
  • All shuttles are equipped to help those with disabilities, and veterans can bring an escort.
  • While all rides are free, donations to help increase transportations options for veterans are appreciated. Donations may be made to rabbittransit’s non-profit organization called 3P Ride which stands for “More People. More Places. More Possibilities.” All donations must be noted “Dauphin County VA Shuttle.”

“When veterans told us the problems they were having getting to the Lebanon VA, we approached CAT to see how we could help,’’ said Commissioner Mike Pries, who oversees the county’s Veterans Affairs Office. “Since we started the program last month, CAT has started receiving calls from veterans looking to use the service.’’

To start the program, the commissioners are awarding a $50,000 grant from the county’s share of gaming revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at Penn National. Additional funding comes from a $50,000 Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs grant given to 3P Ride, a nonprofit formed by rabbittransit, which oversees CAT.

“We are happy to extend this program to Dauphin County,’’ said Rich Farr, Capital Area Transit Executive Director. In the past 12 months, a similar service offering rides from York to the Lebanon VA has completed more than 5,000 trips, Farr said.

“This ride program is one more way we can thank our veterans,’’ Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said. “I also encourage veterans and their families who need help in other areas to contact our Veteran Affairs office. Everyone needs help sometimes, and the only shame is in not asking.’’

In the past year, Dauphin County’s Office of Veterans Affairs has helped veterans and their families secure more than $2 million in benefits. The office assists with a wide range of services, such as housing, job assistance and counseling.

Veterans and their families who need assistance can call 717-780-6330 or visit www.DauphinCounty.org/Veterans.