Veterans Ride Free

REGIONAL — Veterans can now ride free to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital, 40 miles away, thanks to Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVA).
MeVA now provides free door-to-door transportation to and from Bedford Veterans Hospital and its associated health care services for veterans in 16 North Shore cities and towns. MeVA mini-buses transport veterans and their families on Wednesdays and Fridays as part of the MediMeVA service.
Veterans and their families in Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury/Byfield, Newburyport, North Andover, North Reading, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury can take advantage of the transportation service.
MeVA Administrator Noah Berger said that since the service was launched, the regional bus company has heard from many veterans. “We can only anticipate that usage will grow,” he said.
The service is provided using MeVA lift-equipped vehicles and on occasion other vehicles such as vans or sedans. As many customers as possible will be accommodated.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to and from the VA Bedford health care facilities for veterans who don’t have other transportation options. The DAV transports between 1,500 and 1,700 veterans to the hospital each month.
To schedule a trip, call the miniMeVA Office to reserve a ride at 978-469-6878 (option 3) from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trips can be reserved at least seven days in advance, but no later than 14 days in advance.
The trip to Bedford will take place in the morning and the return trip will take place in the afternoon. The hours are flexible and will depend on the appointment time and demand.