Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority’s RIDE FOREVER initiative was launched on Veterans Day 2019, enabling U.S. military veterans honorably discharged from military service to ride all MTA fixed route buses FREE of CHARGE FOREVER beginning at age 65.
Program Rules for RIDE FOREVER. Applicants must:
1. Be a resident of Macon-Bibb County.
2. Be at least 65 years old.
3. Bring proof age & service: veterans ID card, driver’s license indicating military service, DD214 or DD215 card.
4. RIDE FOREVER card is valid for travel on MTA’s fixed route buses only.
However, since the Terminal Station is closed due to the pandemic, except for essential services, MTA has made the following arrangements to ensure enrollment for eligible veterans:
1. To enroll in RIDE FOREVER, veterans must MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with MTA.
2. Call (478) 803-2520 during business hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
3. When making an appointment, veterans may: request an application by email to complete at home and bring to the appointment, OR may complete the form at the appointment.
4. Must submit to temperature check AND MUST WEAR a MASK.
5. When the ID is authenticated, a photo will be taken and a RIDE FOREVER card issued.
Cost of RIDE FOREVER cards continues to be covered by AARP of Georgia. $5.00 fee for card replacement.
To Enroll in RIDE FOREVER at MTA’s Terminal Station Office
1. Enter Terminal Station on Cherry Street.
2. Tell the security guard you have an appointment to get an MTA veteran’s ID or RIDE FOREVER card.
3. The security guard will direct you to the MTA office: through glass doors and up long flight of stairs. MTA office is at top of stairs.
4. Ring security doorbell to be escorted into the office to complete the enrollment process.
Unable to Walk the Stairs? Use Elevator to Access MTA Office
1. Enter Terminal Station on Cherry Street.
2. Tell the security guard you have an appointment to get an MTA veteran’s ID or RIDE FOREVER card.
3. Ask the security guard to direct you to elevator (through double doors and on right side of stairs).
4. Take elevator to second floor. Exit elevator and walk to the right to reach MTA office.
5. Ring security doorbell and be escorted into the office to complete the enrollment process.
MTA CEO Craig Ross says, “MTA is an honor to continue this FREE program for our veterans in partnership with AARP of Georgia. It’s the least we can do for the men and women who bravely served our nation.”