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In conjunction with a new veterans outreach program sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), 68 percent of U.S. public transit systems provide service to Veterans Administration Hospital facilities, according to a recent survey by APTA.

The survey also showed that public transit systems and businesses that support the transit industry are reaching out to veterans for employment when they return from duty, APTA officials said in a prepared statement.

Currently, targeted hiring programs are in place for veterans at 22 percent of the public transit systems surveyed. Eleven percent have instituted their own outreach programs, 16 percent regularly participate in job fairs targeted at veterans and 8 percent work with outside organizations to attract and recruit veterans to employment.

"Public transportation is a great career path and a welcoming community for our returning veterans," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Melaniphy. "I only see potential for growth in this area as we work to implement new ways to serve and create opportunities for veterans in our industry."