It’s important to keep up with medical appointments—good health requires timely intervention for illness and proactive care to prevent issues like cancer. However, getting to an appointment on time can be tricky, especially for those without reliable transportation.

Common barriers for some veterans may include:

• • Mobility issues – Some veterans can’t drive due to illness, injury, or physical disability.

• • Geographic isolation – Veterans in remote or rural areas may find ride services (like Uber or taxis) unavailable or too expensive.

• • Lack of reliable transportation – Some veterans are without a vehicle due to homelessness, financial hardship, or car trouble. Others may not have friends or family to provide a ride—or may feel uncomfortable asking.

Fortunately, the Veterans Transportation Service is here to help.

What is the Veterans Transportation Service?

The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) provides a network of safe and reliable transportation options for veterans travelling to and from health appointments. It is able to provide this service thanks to partnership with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), nonprofits and government transportation services.

To improve access, the VTS is working to expand the program by placing Mobility Managers at VA facilities. 

Who is eligible?

Veterans are able to utilize VTS if the meet the following criteria:

• • They are eligible for VA healthcare benefits
  • They have a VA-authorized appointment
    

Please note that certain facilities may have additional criteria depending on their capabilities.

To learn more about transportation options available to veterans, you can visit the VA website. You can also  check out their extensive list of benefits at Benefits A-Z..

To find your nearest VTS office you can click this link.