Veterans in Manatee County Receive Complimentary Transportation to Healthcare and Services

Key Information

• Program Name: Manatee Moves Veterans
• Eligibility: Verified veterans
• Service: Free door-to-door rides for medical and dental appointments, and visits to the Manatee County Veterans Services Office
• Registration: Call 941-745-3795 with DD-214 or discharge papers
• Booking: Available 24/7 via the Manatee Moves app or by phone
• Service Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Contact: 941-747-1739 for booking assistance
• Website: Manatee County Services
• Rides Provided: Over 1,119 rides as of Sept. 10

The Manatee Moves Veterans program, launched by the county’s Veterans Services and Transportation divisions, provides verified veterans with complimentary door-to-door transportation for medical and dental appointments, as well as visits to the Manatee County Veterans Services office.

“Manatee Moves Veterans is a shining example of how local government can make a direct impact in people’s lives,” District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn, a Marine Corps veteran, stated. “By removing transportation barriers, we are honoring the service of our veterans and ensuring they have access to the health care and resources they need.”

As of September 10, the program had successfully delivered more than 1,119 free rides.

“Exceeding 1,000 rides so quickly shows the strong demand and vital importance of this program,” remarked Sarah Brown, director of Community and Veterans Services for Manatee County. “We want every veteran in Manatee County to know this service is available, reliable, and designed specifically with them in mind.”

Manatee County installing new ‘Thor’ lightning prediction system at beaches

Veterans can schedule up to two one-way trips per day within county limits. To register, call Manatee County Veterans Services at 941-745-3795 and provide a DD-214 or discharge papers. The staff is available to assist veterans in locating their documentation if needed.

Once approved, veterans can utilize the Manatee Moves app to book rides 24/7, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Trips can be scheduled up to three days in advance or requested on demand. Additionally, bookings can be made by phone at 941-747-1739 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Service hours operate from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If a location or provider is not listed, veterans may contact the booking line to have it added. It is no longer necessary to pre-verify addresses. During the scheduling process, veterans will be asked if the trip is medical; a “yes” answer is needed to qualify. Trips to the County’s Veterans Services office are classified as medical due to the nature of the benefits discussed.

For additional details, please visit the county website.