Q&A with FTA's James Simpson

TARC provides a Ride to Safety

Tuesday, November 11, was Veteran’s Day in the United States, Armistice Day in the United Kingdom, and Remembrance Day in Canada.

But no matter what it’s called, citizens the world over stop to pay homage to the men and women who fought our wars and risked their lives.
Public Transportation’s Contribution
Across the United States, transit agencies opened up their gates and their doors to veterans, offering free transportation.  Here are just a few examples.
* NJ Transit offered free train, bus, or light rail rides to military veterans and service members who wanted to attend New Jersey’s World War II Memorial dedication ceremony in Trenton.
* Laketran in Lake County, OH, offered free rides to all U.S. veterans aboard all Laketran buses from Nov. 11 through Nov. 16.  “Laketran wants to recognize and show our appreciation for the men and women of our armed forces,” said its General Manager Frank Polivka.
* And in San Joaquin, CA, the Regional Transit District (RTD) offered free rides to U.S. veterans on all RTD service in Stockton and San Joaquin County.

In Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission provided free rides for veterans – all they had to do was show their war medals or uniform.  In addition, to ensure that children understand about the importance of the poppy (the only item that continued to grow after the devastation on the World War I battlefields in Belgium and northern France), each year the TTC holds a poppy “launch” where war veterans in uniform pin the flower on young school children.  This year the launch was held at the TTC Davisville subway station.

Echoing the thoughts of many, Paul Rapp, RTD marketing and communications manager, said:
“RTD is cognizant of the contributions of our community’s veterans, and this is one way we’re able to give our support to that community and recognize them for their efforts.”

 

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