VA Transportation Services
DAV Transportation
407-646-5500, ext. 28040
DAV operates a fleet of vehicles around the country to provide free transportation to VA medical facilities for injured and ill veterans. DAV stepped in to help veterans get the care they need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many of them pay for transportation to and from medical facilities. Booking is available between 8:30 am to 2:00 pm with a minimum three week notice, if possible.
VA SMT (special mode transport): this is transportation that VA itself providers. The criteria on this is a little cloudy and is often assessed on a case by case basis, but as a rule of thumb, the veteran must be wheelchair or stretcher bound and have some sort of service related issue, medical or mental health. I say it is case by case as I have referred veterans who are NSC, but who also have mobility issues and are low income and they have been approved. A consult to travel has to be placed in order to determine if the veteran is approved for VA SMT. Consults for travel can be placed by any member of the veteran’s medical or mental health team, not just by the social worker.
Once a veteran is approved, veteran can call the travel office themselves in order to schedule a ride at
407-631-1000 ext 11940/11939/11944. VA SMT will transport veteran only if an appointment exists on the schedule. If requested in advance, the veteran is able to have someone accompany them as well, like a family member, friend, nurse’s aide etc.
Orlando VA to Tampa VA Shuttle: available only to those veterans who have a scheduled appointment at the Tampa VA that has been pre-approved and shows up in the system. If requested in advance, the veteran is able to have someone accompany them as well, like a family member, friend, nurse’s aide etc. Runs daily. To arrange, the veteran will need to call VTS at 407-646-5000.
VTS – First come, first serve – VA door to door transportation – typically book out 4-6 weeks, call for availability – Veteran will be transported with other people.
Phone: 407-646-5000 or send email to Patricia Gamez
Community Transportation Programs
Lynx Advantage: non VA, community public/ city bus transportation service. The Lynx Advantage program offers people (veterans or not) assistance with obtaining a monthly discounted city bus pass ($25/ month as opposed to $50/ month). The application form is to be completed by a licensed medical provider. The applicant must have either a medical limitation or mental health limitation to qualify.
Lynx Access program: non VA, community van transportation assistance that can transport veterans or non-veterans who are ambulatory or who also use wheelchairs. The application form is to be completed by a licensed medical provider. I have attached a link to the application form below with further instructions.
This is not a free service and is based off of income. It is unclear at this time whether someone may accompany the veteran during the ride like a family member, friend, nurse’s aide etc.
Community Private Pay Homemaker Agencies/ Community Transportation Agencies: Non-VA, community transportation assistance where the veteran or non-veteran would have to privately pay and independently arrange transportation as needed. Some agencies that may be able to assist are attached above. Seniors First 407-292-0177 or Senior Resource Alliance 407-514-1800 may also be able to assist.
Lake County Resident Transport Services
Volusia County Resident Transport Services
Please also see link above for a service for the Paratransit Shared-Ride Service which is available for individuals with a disability who cannot use VOTRAN.