Free public transit available to veterans

By: Anna Radinsky/Assistant News Director

 

Veterans using the Patriot Passport EASY Card can ride the Metrorail and Metrobus, but not FIU transportation, free of charge.

Miami-Dade County issued a free transit pass for veterans who were disabled during service and who are permanent residents of Miami-Dade or veterans, based on their military discharge, who are permanent residents of Miami-Dade and whose annual income is $29,454.00 or less.

The pass does not cover transportation in the University’s Golden Panther Express, according to the University’s Department of Parking and Transportation.

The Patriot Passport was issued in 2004 and was extended to disabled veterans in 2014.

Types of military discharge include honorable discharge, general discharge (under honorable conditions), voluntary discharge, and inability to adjust discharge. Dishonorable or bad conduct discharge is not eligible to receive the pass.

To apply for the pass, non-disabled veterans have to provide proof of income, a current valid Florida ID or driver’s license with a Miami-Dade County physical address, a social security card, and a DD-214 form as proof of an honorable discharge.

Disabled veterans have to provide a service-connected disability letter, a current valid Florida ID or driver’s license with a Miami-Dade County physical address, and a social security card.

When applying, a photo will be taken to appear on the new card.

Veterans can receive or replace their cards in the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, South Dade Justice Center, North Dade Justice Center and the Miami-Dade Permitting and Inspection Center.

The Patriot Passport expires annually and has to be renewed. The expiration date is printed on the card.

In the case that the pass is lost, stolen or damaged, veterans can call 311.

Passes can be replaced at Transit Service Centers for $5 for the first replacement, $20 for the second replacement, and $50 for each replacement thereafter.

A one-time fee can be waived if the original police report listing the Patriot Passport is presented.

For more information about the Patriot Passport, applicants can call the Miami-Dade County EASY card office at 786-469-5028, or visit the transit section of www8.miamidade.gov.

Featured image retrieved from Flickr.