Hancock Transit starting new pilot program for veterans

Veterans who need to use Hancock’s city transportation system will be able to do so for free until at least April. The pilot program is already underway and was the product of an observant bus driver. He noticed that a large percentage of his riders were headed to the VA clinic on Market Street.

Houghton County Veteran Service Officer Joe Battisfore explains how the program works.

Veterans will need to show some form of identification. There are several options, including having the designation on your state-issued driver’s license.

The hope is to have the program continue well into the future, and perhaps expand to more cities in the area. Battisfore says he intends to contact Houghton soon to see if a similar program can be implemented there. The Veteran Service Office views the rides as an extension of the van lifts down to the VA hospital in Iron Mountain.