Monroe County and RTS introduce new shuttle service to improve access for veterans traveling to the VA Clinic on Calkins Road in Henrietta

Monroe County, New York – In a move designed to strengthen transportation access for local veterans, Monroe County and the Regional Transit Service (RTS) have announced the launch of a new shuttle route that will serve the VA Clinic on Calkins Road in Henrietta. Starting Monday, July 14, 2025, this dedicated shuttle will make it easier and more convenient for veterans to reach vital healthcare services.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez shared the news at a public announcement joined by key figures from the veterans’ community. Among those present were Nicholas Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veterans Services Agency; Laura Heltz, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center; and Sara Passamonte, President and Executive Director of Compeer Rochester—organizations that continue to advocate for improved access and support for veterans across the region.

The shuttle will run on a loop every 20 minutes, connecting the RTS Hylan Drive Connection Hub—located at Marketplace Mall—to the VA Clinic. Operating weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the shuttle will follow RTS’s standard $1 fare. However, veterans who participate in RTS’s free fare program can ride at no cost by using their Veterans Outreach Center-issued bus pass.

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“We want to ensure that veterans have access to the services that they need, services that they have earned. This new shuttle service is one of a number of transportation options available to local veterans who need help getting to and from medical appointments,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I’m grateful to RTS for their partnership and to CEO Miguel Velazquez for his dedication to serving this community and its veterans.”

Transportation barriers have long been a challenge for many veterans, particularly those facing financial hardship or lacking access to reliable vehicles. This initiative comes as part of Monroe County’s broader commitment to improving support systems for former service members. By collaborating with RTS and community-based partners, the County is working to close the accessibility gap for veterans needing routine and specialty care at the outpatient facility.

“RTS is happy to build on our long history of supporting veterans by adding this shuttle and improving access to the VA Clinic,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “I thank County Executive Bello, his team, and the Veterans Outreach Center for their leadership, partnership and support. I thank the RTS team for providing safe, convenient, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers each day. And I thank our veterans for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our values and our freedom.”

Local veteran advocates praised the shuttle addition as an example of practical government action. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans, regardless of income or where they live in the county, can reach services designed to support their health and well-being.

“I am truly grateful to County Executive Bello and Miguel Velázquez at RTS, along with the RTS team for collaborating and finding another way to improve transportation services for Veterans,” said Nicholas Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. “It is critical that all Veterans, regardless of financial status or geographical location have access to the VA Outpatient Clinic. We do a great job in Monroe County of working closely with community partners like the Veterans Outreach Center and Compeer to provide these types of services. This is just another example of how government can function to efficiently and effectively facilitate an environment where Veterans can thrive.”

The free veteran bus pass program, which allows for unrestricted use of RTS buses within Monroe County, has already made an impact. This new shuttle will take those benefits a step further by directly connecting veterans to a facility many rely on for primary and specialty care. Leaders from the Veterans Outreach Center noted the long-standing collaboration between their organization and RTS, pointing to the shuttle as a natural next step in that partnership.

“We are proud to partner with Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, and RTS, consistently looking for ways to promote Veterans well-being and access to services,” said Executive Director of Veterans Outreach Center Laura Heltz. “RTS has been a great friend and ally to our Veterans for a long time. The Veteran bus pass program that we created with RTS has completely opened access to public transportation and removed barriers so that Veterans have the ability to travel anywhere in Monroe County regardless of their financial status. Adding a shuttle service to increase accessibility to the VA will be another example of our organizations working together to improve the lives of our Veterans.”

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Compeer Rochester, a nonprofit that provides support to veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges, also welcomed the announcement. Many of their clients rely on public transit and structured assistance like the Vets Driving Vets program. The new shuttle will help reduce pressure on such programs, allowing them to focus resources on veterans with more complex needs.

“With over 1/3 of our staff and clients being Veterans, we at Compeer understand the importance of connectedness amongst this population,” said President/Executive Director at Compeer Rochester Sara Passamonte. “Being connected requires more than just a willingness to engage in community activities, it requires a means to do so, with transportation being front and center. We believe this shuttle service will meet the needs of many veterans, especially those who live near bus lines with standing appointments at the VA. This also frees up the capacity of our Vets Driving Vets program to provide more rides to those who benefit from more support.”

As the July 14 start date nears, officials are encouraging veterans to visit www.myRTS.com for full transit information. Veterans without a bus pass who are interested in taking advantage of the free fare option can learn more through the Veterans Outreach Center’s website at https://veteransoutreachcenter.org/rts.

This new shuttle represents more than just a transit route—it’s a step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive community for Monroe County’s veterans.