February 14, 2024
Franklin County, rabbittransit Launch Free Medical Shuttle Service For Veterans
From left: John McPaul, Franklin County Veterans Affairs Community Outreach Coordinator; Justin Slep, Franklin County Veterans Affairs Director; Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery; Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst; Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski; Richard Farr, rabbittransit Executive Director
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Franklin County veterans are now eligible for free transportation to select regional medical facilities, thanks to a partnership between rabbittransit and Franklin County Veterans Affairs.
With this new shuttle service, Franklin County veterans can reserve a ride, free of charge, to the Hagerstown Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic or the Martinsburg VA Hospital on Wednesdays beginning Feb. 21.
“Today is a great day for Franklin County’s veterans,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Having the ability to support those who sacrificed so much is something that is personal to me, as someone who served in the military myself.”
Franklin County Veterans Affairs Director Justin Slep added, “Full-service medical transportation for non-ambulatory and ambulatory veteran patients is an essential lifeline for their health and wellness. This is a brand-new service that hasn’t been available in the past, and I’m grateful for this partnership with rabbittransit that is allowing this service to come to fruition. I’m also thankful to community partners like Eric Kendle, who donated the vehicle for this program.”
Riders can board the rabbittransit shuttle in Chambersburg at 8:15 a.m. or in Greencastle at 8:30 a.m. to arrive at the Hagerstown VA Clinic at 9 a.m. and the Martinsburg VA Hospital at 10 a.m. The shuttle departs Martinsburg at noon, returning to Hagerstown at 12:45 p.m., Greencastle at 1:15 p.m. and Chambersburg at 1:30 p.m. The shuttle is ADA accessible and one adult escort is permitted to ride with a veteran at no cost.
“As a mobility agency, we have encountered veterans whose biggest barrier to civilian life is the lack of transportation,” said Richard Farr, executive director of rabbittransit. “By offering transportation to our local veterans, we hope to better connect them to medical appointments, employment and other life-sustaining activities.”
Veterans interested in using this service are required to complete an application, available at rabbittransit.org. Advance reservations for shuttle service should be made by 1:30 p.m. the day before the appointment by calling 1-800-632-9063 (option 3) or by visiting FindMyRidePA.org.
For more information on rabbittransit transportation for veterans in Franklin County, call 1-800-632-9063 and choose option 3 or visit rabbittransit.org.
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