HANCOCK — The City of Hancock is piloting a new program offering free rides to veterans on the city’s public transportation system.

Any veteran who wishes to use Hancock’s on-demand bus service can now do so at no cost. To ride free, veterans just need to present an accepted form of veteran ID to the driver. Several forms of veteran service identification cards, as well as a driver’s license bearing the veteran designation, are accepted.

The program is made possible by the Houghton County Veterans Service Office, which will pay Hancock a discounted rate for veterans’ rides.

In a telephone conversation with the Gazette, Joseph Battisfore of the Veterans Service Office said that the program came about when the office was approached by a Hancock bus driver, who himself is a veteran. The driver remarked that the bus service was frequently used by veterans.

“So, we approached the City of Hancock, and asked them if they would give us any kind of a discount on van rides for veterans, and if they’d like to try a pilot program where we would pay for veterans to ride free on the Hancock van,” Battisfore explained.

Hancock City Manager Mary Babcock said that the city was happy to partner with the Veterans Service Office.

“After talking with the veterans office, it seemed like there were some issues with veterans getting transportation to and from appointments or the grocery store,” she said. “We found it was a perfect fit for the City of Hancock, we would love to assist in that service.”

Hancock operates the on-demand bus service between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. each weekday. Riders can call 482-3450 to request a ride, and a city bus will pick them up and take them anywhere within city limits. The service also transports Hancock riders to and from locations in Houghton.

For most riders, this service costs a small fee – $5 for adults with discounted rates for students, seniors, and children. Frequent riders also have the option of purchasing a multi-ride pass which provides an additional discount.

Babcock reported that veterans have already begun to utilize the program since its inception in November.

“I did talk to the lead transit driver and they have had some participation. And the veterans are very appreciative of the service,” she said.

The pilot program will run until April 1. During this time period, both the City of Hancock and the Veterans Service Office will evaluate the program and consider whether it is helpful to veterans, and economically viable to continue.

“What we’re trying to ascertain by this, is if this is a legitimate need for veterans,” said Battisfore. “If it is, we’d like to utilize our available funds to help provide transportation for veterans in need.”

“Our office is in the business of serving those who served, that’s what we do,” he continued. “If we can find ways that we can serve the veterans of Houghton County, we’re interested in exploring those ideas.”

For additional information on how to obtain an accepted form of veteran ID, contact the Houghton County Veteran Service Office at 906-482-0102. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Veterans interested in riding Hancock public transit can call 482-3450 to request a ride.