The Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) was awarded a $603,500 Michigan Mobility grant for its Vets to Wellness program. The MTA is partnering with the Shiawassee Area Transit Agency, the Greater Lapeer Transit Authority, Kevadiya Inc., and several veterans-serving organizations to provide health and wellness transportation to the veteran communities throughout the region.

“Veterans in our community have been underserved for many years,” said Ed Benning, GM/CEO of Flint’s MTA. “We appreciate the opportunity to provide transportation services and assist in filling this critical mobility gap.”                

The $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge is a grant initiative to use technology and innovation to address core mobility gaps for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans across the state. The grants are awarded to fund the demonstration of the projects of varying sizes using new technology and service models. The grants will be used to subsidize a portion of the cost to plan, deliver, and monitor the demonstration services and will be coordinated with current services to enhance the existing transportation network in an area.                                                                                                                                       “The future of public transportation requires that we establish and provide services on demand, such as wellness trips for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans. These transportation services for veterans will make a marked difference in their lives,” Benning stated.