BART — San Francisco Bay Area

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.

More Transportation in California

• LA Metro — Los Angeles — Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operating buses and rail across LA County. 165 bus lines and 6 rail lines serving o
• Muni SF — San Francisco Municipal Railway — San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency operating buses, light rail, cable cars, and historic streetcars throughout San Francisco. Lif
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) — Operates buses and Trolley light rail throughout San Diego County including downtown, East County, South Bay, and North County Coastal areas
• Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) — Sacramento's public bus and light rail system serving Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and Folsom with 80+ bus routes and 2 light rail
• AC Transit — Alameda-Contra Costa — East Bay's primary bus system serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties with connections to BART and San Francisco via Transbay service. 125
• Medi-Cal Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — Free transportation to and from Medi-Cal-covered medical appointments for beneficiaries who have no other way to reach their provider. Inclu

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.