Empowering Our Veterans: What What You Need to Know About the Metro Veterans Program
The Metro Veterans Program (MVP) is a new discount program for military veterans and active-duty military personnel. The discounted fare program is Metro’s way of saying “Thank you for your service” through half-price fare on all Metro rides. Veterans served the country; now, Metro is serving veterans.
Eligibility
- Military Veterans (Including National Guard & Reserves)
- Active-duty Military Personnel
Metro Veterans Program Fare Card
Once approved, eligible participants will receive a Metro Veterans Program Card. This “tap and show” smart card will allow participants to ride Metro for half fare. Veterans can tap their smart card on the target image on the farebox, show it to the operator, and pay the amount shown on the farebox.
Apply for a Metro Veterans Program Card
Download the Metro Veterans Program application or call 513-632-7540 to request one.
Metro Veterans Program Verification and Approval Process
Once a veteran has completed the MVP application, they must bring their current, state-issued photo ID showing their date of birth and proof of veteran or active-duty status to the Metro Fare Deal Office. Veterans will also take their photo for their ID cards.
Related Article: Find free food and services as a thank you to Cincinnati veterans.
Required Documents
In addition to state-issued photo ID showing date of birth, veterans and active-duty military personnel must present one of the following documents:
- Veteran’s Identification Card issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Driver’s License or State Identification with veteran status listed
- DD Form 214 Verification of Military Service with one of the following characters of service: General, General under Honorable, Honorable Discharge
OR
- Veterans and active-duty military personnel can present a United States Veteran Document Identification Card issued by Hamilton County as proof of eligibility to receive their Metro MVP card. An additional state ID will not be required.
Metro Veterans Program Card Issuance
When approved, an MVP card may be issued the same day (if presenting a federally issued ID showing proof of veteran or active-duty status) or mailed within 21 days (if supplying DD Form 214 as proof of veteran status).
Metro Veterans Program Card Renewal
A Metro Veterans Program card is good for five years before renewal is required.
Please note: If a veteran already has a Fare Deal card, they do not need to apply for an MVP card.
Related Article: Cincinnati Veterans Programs Serve Those Who Served Us
Metro Veterans Program Monthly Stickers
Veterans can purchase a monthly MVP sticker for unlimited rides on any Metro route for only $40 (as of April 4, 2021) each month:
- By mail – Send the completed mail order form and check or money order made payable to SORTA to Metro/Access, 1801 Transpark Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45229-1239
- By phone – Call 513-632-7591
- In-person – Visit the Metro Fare Deal Office or Metro Sales Office.
Stickers are valid for the calendar month only—not 30 days from purchase. They are available between the 15th of the previous month and the 10th of the current month. For example, Veterans can get a December sticker between November 15 and December 10.
Free Rides to and from VA Medical Appointments
Hamilton County Commissioners and Cincinnati Metro are proud to partner with the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) to offer free and discounted bus rides to veterans across the County. This initiative underscores the County’s commitment to supporting those who have served our country and ensuring they have access to essential transportation.
For information on how to obtain passes, please contact the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission at 513-946-3300.
Questions about the Metro Veterans Program?
Email [email protected] or call the Reduced Fare Programs Office at 513-632-7540.
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Content and Images provided by Cincinnati Metro
