On the second annual Public Transportation Supports America’s Veterans Day, APTA and dozens of public transportation agencies nationwide participated in several activities that “put out the welcome mat” for military personnel, including those who are looking for civilian careers.

“We are proud of our country’s veterans and the contributions they made for our nation and are now making in the public transportation industry,” said Peter Varga, chief executive officer of The Rapid in Grand Rapids, MI, and APTA chair.

“Public transportation is a good fit for veterans looking for civilian jobs since there are many military skills that are transferable to the public transit industry,” said APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy. “Both the military and the public transportation industry employ skilled workers with a good work ethic who are committed to public service.” The U.S. Department of Defense lists transportation as a top career field with job opportunities for veterans.

“Leadership is the single most important skill set that military service creates. It is a universally transferable skill, and effective leadership is in constant demand but often in short supply,” said Phillip Washington, general manager and chief executive officer of Denver’s Regional Transportation District who retired as a command sergeant major after a 24-year career in the U.S. Army. Washington is also APTA’s vice chair.

APTA and many public transit agencies maintain relationships with military-focused organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warriors, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. APTA also has been part of the White House “Joining Forces” initiative.

On Veterans Day, many public transit systems honored veterans in their workforce and in their communities. Below is just a sampling of activities that public transportation systems conducted to show their support; many systems carried out more than one activity.

Several systems offered free rides for veterans, including Coralville Transit System and Marshalltown Municipal Transit (IA), Blue Water Area Transit (MI), CamTran and Rabbit Transit (PA), Capital District Transportation Authority (NY ), Lane Transit (OR), San Joaquin Regional Transit District (CA), Yuma County Intergovernmental ­Public Transportation Authority (AZ), and Jacksonville Transportation Authority (FL).

These systems honored their employees who are current and former veterans: Regional Transportation District (CO), Orange County Transportation Authority (CA), Centre Area Transportation Authority (PA), Mountain Line Transit (WV), and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (OH).

Several systems participated in Veterans’ Day parades, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (TX) and Monroe County Transit Authority (PA).

Many public transit systems conducted special events: Cambria County Transit Authority (PA) posted thank-you signs and banners on all fixed route buses; the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (TX) bus headboards scrolled “The T Supports Veterans;” Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (OH) contributed to the Kent ­Central Gateway Veterans Memorial, which honors past, present, fallen, and POW-MIA veterans; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA) hosted an employment event for Wounded Warriors alumni, veterans, caregivers and families; and ­Valley Metro (AZ) is conducting the “Who’s Your Hero” video contest. Each entry will receive an all-day transit pass and a chance to win one of two 31-day passes. Valley Metro GM Steve Banta is a veteran.

Flint’s MTA  ‘Mobile Billboard’ Salutes Veterans On Veterans Day, the Mass Transportation Authority in Flint, MI, unveiled a fully wrapped bus that celebrates the men and women of the armed forces. The interior features placards that relate the history of wars in which the United States fought, from the Revolution to Afghanistan. The bus will be on the road for a full year on various routes throughout the Michigan community.Photo courtesy of MTA