Jim Erickson Veterans Universal Access Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Polk County’s nearly 62,000 veterans now have transportation options and independence through the Jim Erickson Universal Access Program. The program, named after veteran transportation advocate Jim Erickson, allows veterans with a military identification card to ride all fixed route buses in the county at no cost to the veteran. The program, subsidized through $12,000 of private donations, helps veterans who previously may not have been able to go to the grocery store or perform basic tasks. The year-long pilot project allows all Polk County veterans to ride any segment of the Polk Transit bus routes for free. Polk’s aging veteran population includes thousands of people who served their country and now have little money or ability for transportation. The program offers this proud group transportation independence and improved quality of life that they otherwise did not have before. The program gives veterans who don't have a car, especially older veterans on limited income, the ability to get to the grocery store, to doctors' offices, and have more mobility to get around than they otherwise would have. Polk Transit provides access to the Lakeland Veteran’s Affairs Clinic, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Watson Clinic, Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital and a variety of other medical facilities. Shopping and social destinations include most Publix Super Markets, Eagle Ridge Mall, Lakeside Village, VFW and American Legion posts, Legoland and many local vendors. Polk Transit includes the Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit and Polk County Transit Services. In this day and age, transportation is basic for getting around just for everyday things. Things many take for granted, like going to a restaurant, making it to the laundry mat and getting groceries, become complicated.