The Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation donated $10,000 to Durango Transit last month to provide a year’s worth of free public transit services to veterans.
Durango Transportation Director Sarah Hill said in an email the donation will fund 333 one-year transit passes for veterans. The city typically sells about 100 passes per year on average; she expects the donation to accommodate free veterans passes for the next three years.
However, the generosity may not end with the expiration of the last of the 333 passes.
“The Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation has requested quarterly information and has expressed interest in keeping the program going beyond this original donation depending on demand,” Hill said.
She said 19 veterans have validated their free passes as of Thursday.
Standard annual transit passes are purchasable at the Durango Transit Center for $360. Annual transit passes are already available to veterans at a discounted rate of $30 per year, or 8% of the regular cost, she said.
Still, the free passes are helpful to veterans with disabilities or mobility issues. Hill said Durango Transit vehicles are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices, a convenient service for veterans who struggle to find consistent transportation.
“Veterans who are on a fixed income and don’t have access to expensive private transportation options can rely on Durango Transit to access services specific to Veterans such as VA clinic or VFW programming, as well as any other services, amenities, or gatherings that Durango offers,” she said.
Michael Moravan said he is “100% disabled,” a rating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs uses to determine payments and medical care, and his and his wife’s philanthropy is driven by their want to grow the community.
He was exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, he said. But also being a computer network engineer, he saw the utility of the internet and made a fortune off investments in internet stocks. He’s particularly fond of donating to educational institutions and programs.
Elaine Moravan said they know veterans are struggling and free transportation is one way to help.
“We just know that there are a lot of veterans that are not doing real well financially, and we thought that would be a way for them to get to doctor appointments and other needs they would have in the Durango community,” she said.
The Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation’s donation for veterans is the third of its kind the city has received to Hill’s knowledge, she said. Although, the recent donation is notably higher than an anonymous donation of $1,800 in 2021 and another donation of $3,000 by the Foundation in 2017.
Veterans can redeem a free pass at the Transit Center at 250 W. Eighth St. with a photo identification and a Veterans Military Discharge Document (DD-214), according to a news release published by the city.
“The city would like to extend our deepest gratitude for this generous donation. The thoughtful contribution is a remarkable gift that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country,” the release said. “This support not only enhances the quality of life for veterans in our community, but also shows a profound commitment to honoring their sacrifices.”
cburney@durangoherald.com
