Evansville, IN – Beginning January 1, 2023, and continuing through June 30th, 2023, the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS), in partnership with SWIRCA & More, will provide free bus rides to disabled persons and seniors 65 years and older who reside in the City of Evansville. All of this was made possible through generous community support and grant funding received by SWIRCA & More to help fulfill its mission in serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
To qualify for a free ride, eligible riders will simply need to provide their current state-issued photo ID showing proof of age, if 65 and older. For those under the age of 65, riders will need to go to METS with their Medicare card and current state-issued photo ID and get a free METS Discount Card. Individuals can contact SWIRCA at 812-464-7800 or METS at (812) 435-6166 for additional information.Â
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11 at 10 am at SWIRCA & More, 16 W. Virginia Street, to formally announce the start of the free rides program. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be in attendance and will deliver remarks about the partnership. All media is invited to attend.
“SWIRCA has proudly partnered with METS for over 30 years to help provide transportation services to Evansville residents 60 years and older and we are excited to be able to provide free rides for the first half of 2023 for our most vulnerable residents,†stated SWIRCA’s President, Rhonda Zuber. “Community collaborations like these are extremely important because they help to strengthen age-friendly communities and keep our older adult populations mobile and active.â€
Readily available and easily accessible transportation is a vital component in helping older adults remain independent, obtain access to critical health services such as medical appointments, and participate in meaningful activities. In 2021, through SWIRCA’s Transportation Remuneration Incentive Program (TRIP), SWIRCA and METS provided 9,806 rides for area residents. Without these services, there is an increased risk of social isolation and a reduced quality of life for our senior population and those living with disabilities.Â
Todd Robertson, Executive Director of Transportation and Services for the City of Evansville stated, “METS has been looking for a way to offer free rides to seniors and those living with a disability for several years. We are excited that SWIRCA and More was able to help sponsor this important service for our community. This collaboration has the ability to reach so many of our friends and neighbors and make a direct impact in their daily activities.â€
About METS
Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) provides transportation for the public on 22 fixed route service areas in Evansville, Indiana and implements and controls all managerial functions involved with the METS transit operation. Established in 1971 to address the growing need for public transportation in Evansville, METS has transported more than 45 million passengers through their bus lines and paratransit vans. For more information on METS call (812) 435-6166 or (877) 446-8722.
About SWIRCA & More
Formally established as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in 1974, the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA & More) is a non-profit, social service agency serving older adults, caregivers, and individuals living with disabilities at any age in Southwestern Indiana. As Indiana’s fourth largest AAA, serving Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson, Perry, and Spencer counties, SWIRCA helps older adults navigate the complexities of accessing in-home and community-based services and long-term care. For more information on SWIRCA & More, please visit www.swirca.org or call 812-464-7800.
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