Dutchess Pulls Funding For Veteran Rides, New Service Planned

Funding for the VetZero ride service was taken out of the Dutchess County budget for 2025, but officials say a new way for veterans to get around is "coming soon".

It can be a challenge for Hudson Valley veterans to find transportation to important doctor appointments, interviews or visits to the Office of Veterans Affairs. In 2019, Hudson River Housing identified this issue and launched its VetZero Heroes Ride Service. Since then, the program has given over 4,000 rides to Dutchess County Veterans.

The program allows veterans to schedule free rides from fellow veterans at absolutely no cost to them. The VetZero program covers all vehicle costs including maintenance, gas and employment of veteran drivers. "Commander" Tom Zurhellen says that he was surprised to learn that annual funding of $20,000 from Dutchess County was omitted from the 2025 budget.

In its place is $50,000 for the Office of Veterans Affairs to "expand transportation services for veterans".

New Veteran Ride Service on the Horizon for Dutchess County

Adam Roche, Director of the Office of Veterans Services, says that the county will be working with GoGo to expand ride availability to veterans across Dutchess County. The service was first implemented by the Office for the Aging and expanded in 2024. Now, the program will be opened up to veterans.

Roche says that there will be a transition period and that veterans will still be able to get rides from VetZero until the new service is up and running.

VetZero Rides Will Continue For Dutchess Veterans

Zurhellen says that even though funding has been taken away by the county, VetZero is dedicated to continue giving rides to Hudson Valley veterans. It's unclear where the money to run the program will come from moving forward, but the veterans advocate says Hudson River Housing will do the best with whatever resources they have.

Veterans who need to schedule a ride can still call 1-833-VET-ZERO.