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In observance of Thanksgiving Day we will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28. This closure includes each of our Veterans Clinics. 

Our Emergency Department remains open 24 hours.  

Mental Health Emergency: Call Veteran Crisis Line at 988, press 1, or text 83255.

Veterans Transportation Service

The Birmingham VA Health Care System is proud to introduce the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), a new initiative designed to offer comprehensive travel solutions for Veterans within the Birmingham VA. This program underscores VA’s commitment to providing Veterans with accessible and dependable transportation to their VA health care appointments, as well as to authorized non-VA health care locations.

The Birmingham VA Health Care System is proud to introduce the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), a new initiative designed to offer comprehensive travel solutions for Veterans within the Birmingham VA. This program underscores VA’s commitment to providing Veterans with accessible and dependable transportation to their VA health care appointments, as well as to authorized non-VA health care locations.

Key Points:

  • Veterans Transportation Service: A new program providing eligible Veterans with safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from their health care appointments.
  • Complementary to Existing Services: The VTS complements the current Beneficiary Travel system, enhancing the Birmingham VA’s ability to meet Veterans' transportation needs.
  • Extensive Network: VTS is bolstered by a collaborative network including Veterans Service Organizations, community providers, and various government agencies.
  • Eligibility: All Veterans eligible for VA health care benefits and with a VA-authorized appointment can avail themselves of this service, subject to local availability and guidelines.

The service goes live Dec. 15, 2023, and aims to ensure no Veteran is left behind due to a lack of transportation. VTS staff are available to aid and manage transportation to the main facility in Birmingham, our VA Clinics, and other authorized locations.

“We recognize the importance of ensuring that our Veterans have access to reliable transportation for their health care needs. The Veterans Transportation Service is our pledge to serve those who have valiantly served our country," says Dr. Ladi Kukoyi, Executive Director/CEO, Birmingham VA.

Schedule a ride at www.vetride.va.gov 

Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) - Health Benefits (va.gov)

Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) - Health Benefits (va.gov)

Contact:

- Ext. 333110

What Veterans need to know about VTS

SERVICE AREA: Currently we are offering transportation within approximately 50 miles of the Birmingham VA. This area will expand as new vans come into service. 

AVAILABILITY: VTS service is available to all Veterans and an accompanying person round trip from their home of record to VA medical appointments and back. If a demand for rides exceeds the number of seats available, Veterans with the most urgent medical needs and service-connected injuries will get priority. Note that Veterans cannot receive beneficiary travel payments and a ride; VTS riders will be unable to file a claim for mileage.

ROUTES AND CLINICS SERVED: Days of service are Monday-Friday from 0600-1800 (current time, will expand with hiring on new drivers), within 50 miles of VA sites of care.

LEAD TIME: Currently, we can accommodate request for rides to appointments at least 14 days in advance.

REQUESTING RIDES – while phone and online are both available, creating a VetRide account and requesting online will deliver the best results.

-TO REQUEST A RIDE:

  1. Phone – call to request a ride
  2. Online at www.vetride.va.gov – you must have a VetRide account to request a ride online, then you can request a ride at any time!

-TO CREATE A VETRIDE ACCOUNT:

  1. Through our web form (preferred method) - click this link - Contact Us (va.gov) and enter your zip code and our VTS team will contact you to establish your account.
  2. By phone - call  and our VTS team can assist you. 
  3. After a VetRide account is created for you, you will receive an email asking you to change your password. Please follow the prompts and create your password. Then, keep it safe!

How do I use VetRide

  1. Log in at www.vetride.va.gov
  2. Enter your user name and password.
  3. Click “Request a New Ride” to request a ride at the bottom of the Request New Trip block. 
  4. Accept the rules of engagement.
  5. The facilities where you receive care will appear. Select your facility then click “Proceed” on the right.
  6. Select your appointment date, and whether you need a ride to the facility (Incoming), back home (Return Trip), or round trip (Round). **Note that although you can enter an early date, only appointments 14 days in the future can be processed at this time. We aim to expand services to deliver short-notice service in the near future.
  7. If you have a standing appointment on a particular day of the week or month, you can select the Frequency.
  8. Enter pickup and/or drop-off address. You will only be able to select your home of record and VA facility addresses. Then select Create Trip Information.
  9. If you have no special needs, select Ambulatory. Otherwise, select your specific needs (oxygen, attendant, etc.)
  10. If applicable, select the Clinic Type.
  11. On the Companion page, if you do not have a companion, do NOT click the box – just click Add A Companion (even though you don’t have one.) If you DO have a companion, check the box, then click Add A Companion. If you check the box, this will reserve two seats for you and your companion, so please don’t check the box if you don’t have a companion as that will take a seat your comrade might need.
  12. At the Verify page, make sure that the information is correct, then click Finish.
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