Can I get help affording a car?

Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.

What is Medicaid NEMT?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).

Are there reduced-fare transit options?

Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.

What if I live in a rural area with no bus?

Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.

Transportation in California

17 verified resources.

About Transportation for Fathers

Transportation assistance helps fathers get to work, court, medical appointments, and childcare. Public transit passes are often available free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and social service agencies. Many job training programs cover bus passes. The Ways to Work program and some community action agencies provide low-interest car loans to working parents. State DMVs typically require proof of insurance and current registration; low-cost insurance programs exist for low-income drivers in several states (California's Low Cost Auto Insurance is one example). For rural fathers without reliable transit, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. Medicaid NEMT covers rides to covered medical visits at no cost. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance programs.

Transportation in California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.

17 Resources

1. LA Metro — Los Angeles — Paid

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operating buses and rail across LA County. 165 bus lines and 6 rail lines serving over 300 stations throughout the region. TAP card for easy fare payment. Reduced fares for low-income riders through the LIFE discount program offering 62.5% off standard fares. Call (323) 466-3876 or visit metro.net for routes, schedules, and discount applications.

(323) 466-3876 · One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6:30am-8pm; Sat 8-4:30 · Visit Website

2. BART — San Francisco Bay Area — Paid

Bay Area Rapid Transit serves San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties with 50 stations and frequent service. Clipper card accepted for easy fare payment. Clipper START discount program provides a 20% fare discount for qualifying low-income adult riders. Call (510) 464-6000 or visit bart.gov for routes, schedules, and discount program applications.

(510) 464-6000 · 300 Lakeside Dr., 23rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 · Mon-Fri 5am-midnight; Sat 6am-midnight; Sun 8am-9pm · Visit Website

3. Muni SF — San Francisco Municipal Railway — Paid

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency operating buses, light rail, cable cars, and historic streetcars throughout San Francisco. Lifeline Pass provides a 50% fare discount to qualifying low-income SF residents. Free rides for youth under 18. Call (415) 701-2311 or visit sfmta.com for routes, schedules, and discount programs. Service operates 24/7. Customer service available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

(415) 701-2311 · 1 South Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94103 · Service 24/7; customer service Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

4. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) — Paid

Operates buses and Trolley light rail throughout San Diego County including downtown, East County, South Bay, and North County Coastal areas. PRONTO card accepted for easy fare payment. Monthly pass and regional day pass options available for regular riders. Call (619) 233-3004 or visit sdmts.com for routes, schedules, and fares. Customer service Monday-Friday 5:30am-8:30pm and Saturday 7am-6pm.

(619) 233-3004 · 1255 Imperial Ave., Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101 · Customer service Mon-Fri 5:30am-8:30pm; Sat 7am-6pm · Visit Website

5. Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) — Paid

Sacramento's public bus and light rail system serving Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and Folsom with 80+ bus routes and 2 light rail lines. Low-income transit pass program offers discounted monthly passes for qualifying CalFresh and Medi-Cal recipients. Call (916) 321-2877 or visit sacrt.com for routes, schedules, and discount applications. Customer service Monday-Friday 6am-8pm and weekends 9am-5pm.

(916) 321-2877 · 2810 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6am-8pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. AC Transit — Alameda-Contra Costa — Paid

East Bay's primary bus system serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties with connections to BART and San Francisco via Transbay service. 125+ bus lines covering Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, and surrounding communities. Clipper card accepted. Discount programs available for seniors, disabled riders, youth, and low-income riders. Call (510) 891-4700 or visit actransit.org for routes and schedules.

(510) 891-4700 · 10626 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94603 · Customer service Mon-Fri 7am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Medi-Cal Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — Free

Free transportation to and from Medi-Cal-covered medical appointments for beneficiaries who have no other way to reach their provider. Includes taxi, rideshare, wheelchair-accessible van, and ambulance options. Schedule at least 3 business days in advance through your county or managed care plan. Call (800) 541-5555 or contact your Medi-Cal plan directly. Available to all enrolled Medi-Cal members who qualify.

(800) 541-5555 · Contact your Medi-Cal managed care plan · Mon-Fri 8-5

8. Ways to Work — CA Vehicle Loan Program — Paid

Low-interest vehicle loans at 5-8% for low-to-moderate income working families who need reliable transportation for employment. Administered through local nonprofit partners in California. Average loan is $4,000-$6,000. Accepts applicants who cannot qualify for traditional auto loans due to credit challenges. Call (414) 359-1040 or email info@waystowork.org to find your nearest California partner organization.

(414) 359-1040 · CA partner locations statewide · Mon-Fri 9-5

9. Metrolink — Southern California Regional Rail — Paid

Commuter rail system serving Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego counties with 7 lines and 62 stations. Weekend and holiday fares are deeply discounted — often

0 flat for all-day travel. Low-income discount of 50% off for qualifying LA Metro LIFE card holders. Call (800) 371-5465 or visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules, fares, and discount program information.

(800) 371-5465 · 900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90017 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. VTA — Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (San Jose) — Paid

Bus and light rail serving Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley with 70+ bus lines and two light rail lines. Clipper card accepted for easy fare payment. Clipper START program provides a 50% fare discount for low-income adult riders who qualify. Call (408) 321-2300 or visit vta.org for routes, schedules, and discount applications. Customer service Monday-Friday 6am-7pm. VTA also connects to Caltrain and BART for regional travel.

(408) 321-2300 · 3331 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95134 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

11. Fresno Area Express (FAX) — Paid

Public bus service for the Fresno metro area with fixed routes connecting neighborhoods to downtown, transit centers, and major destinations. ADA paratransit service available for qualifying disabled riders. Reduced fares for seniors, disabled passengers, and students. Call (559) 621-7433 or visit fresno.gov/transportation/fax for routes and schedules. Service Monday-Friday 6am-10pm and Saturday 7am-8pm.

(559) 621-7433 · 2223 G St., Fresno, CA 93706 · Mon-Fri 6am-10pm; Sat 7am-8pm · Visit Website

12. OCTA — Orange County Transportation Authority — Paid

Bus service, Metrolink commuter rail coordination, and the OC Streetcar for Orange County. OC Bus reduced fare passes available for low-income riders, seniors, and disabled passengers. Call (714) 636-7433 or visit octa.net for routes, schedules, and discount programs. Customer service Monday-Friday 7am-6pm. OC Bus Connect app available for trip planning. Clipper card accepted on most routes for easy fare payment.

(714) 636-7433 · 550 S. Main St., Orange, CA 92868 · Customer service Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

13. RTA — Riverside Transit Agency — Paid

Bus and dial-a-ride transit serving western Riverside County with 36 fixed bus routes and ADA-compliant paratransit services. Reduced fares available for seniors 65+ and disabled riders. Call (951) 565-5002 or visit riversidetransit.com for routes, schedules, and fare information. Customer service Monday-Friday 6am-7pm. Connects to MARTA, Metrolink, and other regional transit providers for broader area coverage.

(951) 565-5002 · 1825 Third St., Riverside, CA 92507 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

14. Omnitrans — San Bernardino County Transit — Paid

Bus service for 15 cities in the San Bernardino Valley including San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, and Colton. Fixed routes and Access paratransit for ADA-qualifying riders. Reduced fares available for low-income riders, seniors 65+, and disabled passengers. Call (800) 966-6428 or visit omnitrans.org for routes, schedules, and discount programs. Customer service Monday-Friday 6am-7pm.

(800) 966-6428 · 1700 W. 5th St., San Bernardino, CA 92411 · Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

15. North County Transit District (NCTD) — San Diego — Paid

North County Transit District operates the COASTER commuter rail between Oceanside and San Diego, SPRINTER light rail connecting Oceanside to Escondido, BREEZE bus network, and FLEX paratransit for North San Diego County. Call (760) 966-6500 or visit gonctd.com for schedules and fares. Customer service Monday-Friday 7am-6pm. Discount passes available for seniors, disabled riders, and students.

(760) 966-6500 · 810 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054 · Customer service Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

16. DAV Hospital Shuttle — California VA Medical Centers — Free

Free volunteer shuttle rides to VA medical centers across California provided by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) volunteers. Serves veterans who lack transportation to medical appointments. Call (877) 426-2838 or visit dav.org to schedule a ride to your nearest California VA hospital. Advance scheduling required. DAV volunteers operate regular shuttle routes to all major California VA medical centers. No cost to veterans.

(877) 426-2838 · Routes to CA VA hospitals · Scheduled runs; call to reserve · Visit Website

17. Caltrain — SF to San Jose Commuter Rail — Paid

Commuter rail connecting San Francisco to San Jose and Gilroy via the Peninsula with 29 stations. Clipper card accepted for easy fare payment. Clipper START program provides a 50% fare discount for qualifying low-income adult riders. Call (800) 660-4287 or visit caltrain.com for schedules and fares. Service runs approximately 5am to midnight. Baby Bullet express trains complete the SF to San Jose trip in under an hour.

(800) 660-4287 · 1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, CA 94070 · Service 5am-midnight; customer service Mon-Fri 7am-7pm · Visit Website

Transportation — Common Questions

Can I get help affording a car?: Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.
What is Medicaid NEMT?: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).
Are there reduced-fare transit options?: Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.
What if I live in a rural area with no bus?: Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.