A new, free shuttle service will transport veterans from Livingston and Western Wayne counties to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

The Veterans Transportation Service is a two-year pilot program aimed at reaching veterans who live in remote areas and lack a personal or public transportation system. It launched May 2.

The VTS shuttles will drop off and pick up veterans at Meijer locations in Allen Park, Belleville, Brighton, Canton, Hartland, Howell, Livonia, Northville, Taylor, Westland and Wixom.

The locations were targeted due to the lack of transportation services from these areas to Ann Arbor, said Shannon Bradford, public affairs director for the Ann Arbor VA health system.

A shuttle will also be available to take patients from the VA Ann Arbor’s Toledo Community-based Outpatient Center to its main campus in Ann Arbor.

The VTS is able to transport two wheelchairs with each shuttle and welcomes service animals. Caregivers are welcome.

To use the service, make a reservation with a VTS coordinator at 1-800-361-8387 ext. 27145.

Juliana Keeping covers general assignment and health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter