Transit agency seeks donations for free rides for veterans

FAIRFIELD – The transportation program serving Southeast Iowa known as 10-15 Transit has launched a new nonprofit to support local veterans.

The transit agency, which got its name from serving 10 counties in Region 15, offers free rides to veterans, whether they need to go to hospital appointments in town or out of town, or to run errands such as trips to the grocery store. Due to growing ridership, the agency has created a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization to handle donations specifically toward its rides for veterans. The new initiative is known as D.R.I.V.E., which stands for Driving Regional Iowa Veterans Everyday.

A news release from Chariton Valley Planning & Development Executive Director Nichole Moore stated that, “Over the past five years, Chariton Valley Planning & Development Council and 10-15 Transit have worked closely with veterans and community leaders to identify unmet transportation needs – especially for medical appointments, Veterans Affairs services, and daily living. Local veterans repeatedly expressed concern over the lack of consistent, affordable transportation options.”

In response to this demand, the 10-15 Transit Board decided in 2021 to reallocate $2,500 from each of the 10 counties, so $25,000 in all, from general transit funding to free rides for veterans. During fiscal year 2023-24, the agency spent more than $160,000 on rides for veterans, tallying 767 such rides.

Jefferson County is among the 10 counties served by 10-15 Transit, and Supervisor Lee Dimmitt represents the county on 10-15 Transit’s board. He noted that, in figures released through April 2025, Jefferson County veterans use the service the third most of the 10 counties, with 85 of the 520 rides given to veterans since the start of fiscal year 2024-25.

Dimmitt said rides must be arranged 24 hours in advance, and are normally done Monday through Friday. He said 10-15 Transit has about 100 drivers, and they’re willing to wait at the veteran’s appointment as long as it takes, and can give rides as early as 4 a.m.

Since demand for the service is going up, and the agency does not ask the veterans for money, Dimmitt said now is the perfect time for the public to get involved financially. He said any support is appreciated, and hopes that businesses step forward to provide a helping hand. Dimmitt said 10-15 Transit is the only public transportation entity in the state that provides free rides for veterans.

For non-veterans, 10-15 is still a very economical option, costing just $2 each way for in-town rides and $4 for out-of-town rides (though some longer trips could be more). Dimmitt said that drivers make frequent trips to area hospitals in Iowa City and Des Moines, and on rare occasions have even gone to Omaha, Nebraska, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Those who would like to contribute to or volunteer with D.R.I.V.E. can reach Moore at nmoore@charitonvalleyplanning.com , or 10-15 Transit Director Jay Allison at jay@1015transit.com.

The 10 counties in the region are Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello, and Wayne Counties.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com