Bettendorf Transit Updates Fare Structure to Provide Free Rides for Veterans and K-12 Students

AUGUST 9, 2024 - The City of Bettendorf is excited to announce that Veterans and K-12 Students can soon ride our Bettendorf Transit Buses for free!

On Tuesday, August 6^th, Bettendorf City Council voted to approve updates to Bettendorf Transit's fare structures to include two new categories of free fares - Veterans and K-12 Students traveling to and from school.

"We are excited about being able to offer these new fare categories to our citizens," said Operations Manager Austin Whelan. Our Veterans have sacrificed a lot for our freedoms in this country, so this is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their selflessness. K-12 Students will also benefit immensely from these changes by having another option to travel to and from school, without the barrier of having to pay a fare."

These new free fare categories go into effect on Monday, August 12^th and put Bettendorf Transit in alignment with MetroLINK and Davenport Citibus which currently offer these free fares as well.

"Management from all four transit systems in our area - Bettendorf Transit, MetroLINK, Davenport Citibus, and River Bend Transit - meet on a quarterly basis with the Bi-State Regional Commission to discuss items related to increased coordination," explained Whelan. "One of the goals of these meetings is to discuss ways in which our systems can better coordinate on certain projects, policies, or procedures to ensure a seamless riding experience for passengers traveling on public transit throughout our area."

Veterans who want to receive the free fare must show the bus driver a valid VA card or state-issued ID with a Veteran stamp upon boarding.

K-12 Students who want to receive the free fare must let the bus driver know which school they're traveling to or that they're going home from school upon boarding. The bus driver will provide the student with a transfer slip if another bus is needed and will help direct the student to their destination. Below are the schools that are currently along or close to Bettendorf Transit Bus Route:

• Bettendorf High School
• Edison Academy (New Location: 3066 Victoria Street)
• Bettendorf Middle School
• Grant Wood Elementary
• Herbert Hoover Elementary (Drop-Off/Pick-Up at 18^th Street & Maplecrest Road)
• Mark Twain Elementary
• Neil Armstrong Elementary
• Paul Norton Elementary (Drop-Off/Pick-Up at 18^th Street & Crow Creek Road)
• Hopewell Elementary (Drop-Off/Pick-Up at Devils Glen Road & Hopewell Avenue)
• Pleasant Valley High School
• Riverdale Heights Elementary

For information on bus schedules and routes, click here and download the SPOT App to plan trips and track buses in real time.