A new service from RTS will begin shuttling veterans between Marketplace Mall’s Hylan Drive bus stop and the VA Clinic on Calkins Road on July 14, signaling a continued focus on the needs of local vets. Shuttles will run roughly every twenty minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. Standard fare is $1 per ride, and Veterans may obtain free bus passes from RTS through the Veterans Outreach Center.
This new connection dovetails perfectly with CompeerCORPS’s Vets Driving Vets initiative, a program that pairs Veteran drivers with Veteran riders who need curb-to-curb assistance or prefer the camaraderie of a fellow veteran behind the wheel. After receiving American Rescue Plan funding in 2024 to expand the program, Vets Driving Vets delivered 718 rides last year and 720 rides already in the first six months of 2025. It operates to deliver veterans to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, grocery runs, and social outings across Monroe County.
“More than a third of our staff and clients have worn the uniform, so we know connectedness isn’t just about wanting to show up – it’s about having a way to get there,” said Sara Passamonte, President & CEO of Compeer Rochester. “With the new shuttle covering trips along busy bus corridors, our drivers can lean in where one-to-one support matters most.”
Passamonte added, “The fact that we’ve already matched last year’s ride count and we’re only halfway through 2025 tells you everything about the need – and about what happens when good partners pull in the same direction. RTS has answered the call; together we’re making sure no veteran is stuck at home when care, groceries, or community are just a ride away.”
For Veterans who want to schedule a ride or community members looking to volunteer as drivers, call 585-313-7528 or visit compeerrochester.org/vets-driving-vets.
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