The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Transportation  launched a free bus pass program for veterans on July 31.  The program, which received funding in the recent legislative session,  makes public transit available at no cost to veterans to get to appointments, wor k or run everyday errands.  To apply, veterans must fill out an online application and verify their identity. They can choose from a number of bus route options, from those serving larger urban regions, such as CT Transit, to smaller regional districts. Passes must be renewed monthly.  Here’s what veterans should know. How do I apply for a free bus pass? Veterans must apply online and submit a valid form of ID to verify their veteran status. These include: the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Health Identification Card; a Connecticut driver’s license with the flag indicating veteran status; or a Connecticut non-driver ID with the flag veteran indicator symbol. The bus pass application also allows veterans to pick the bus routes they need passes for, with most being good for either 30 or 31 days. How do the passes work? When using a pass, the veteran must show a bus operator the active pass and also one of the valid forms of ID. Officials said this will ensure fraud prevention, as the bus passes do not currently have photo ID. Because the passes expire monthly, veterans will get a 10-digit veteran pass ID after they request a new pass to use for renewals. Officials recommend leaving ample time between the request for a new pass and the expiration of the old one, because passes are mailed to recipients to whatever address is provided.  What if I don’t have an ID or permanent address? Veterans who do not have a valid ID or a permanent address can apply for a health identification card through the VA, or by calling 1-877-222-8387. Or veterans can use the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website to download and process the forms to get a Department of Motor Vehicles ID with a veteran flag.  Once the forms are processed and eligibility is verified, the VA will mail a confirmation letter to give to the DMV to request an updated ID. Calling the DMV ahead of time is recommended, to confirm what’s needed and how the process works. A veteran can also get a veterans health identification card when they enroll in VA healthcare. Those in need of healthcare can apply by phone, mail or in person. What routes are passes available for? Veterans are encouraged to only apply for the routes that serve their needs best to prevent ticket waste. The VA purchases passes based on use, so applicants are asked to request only what they need to help keep the program costs down. Below are the routes available through the program: CTtransit (includes Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Wallingford, CTfastrak service) Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HART) Milford Transit District Northeastern Connecticut Transit District Northwestern Connecticut Transit District Norwalk Transit District River Valley Transit Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) Windham Region Transit District (WRTD) If I have more questions, who do I contact? For questions about receiving or renewing bus passes, status of a request or about the identification process, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Advocacy and Assistance can help.  Veterans can also check out the program’s website or email [email protected] for pass replacement or renewal questions. ...read more read less