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 Connecticut

15 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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

15 Resources

1. CTtransit – Hartford/New Haven — Paid

Public bus service operated by the state serving Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, and New Britain for Connecticut fathers, families, and workers. Multiple routes with weekday, weekend, and express service; reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders. Pay fares by cash, Go CT Card, or mobile app. View schedules, routes, and real-time info on the CTtransit website or through bus stop signage.

860-522-8101 · 100 Leibert Rd, Hartford, CT 06120 · Service daily · Visit Website

2. Greater Bridgeport Transit — Paid

Public bus service for Bridgeport and coastal Fairfield County fathers, families, and workers. Routes serve Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield, Trumbull, and Milford with weekday and Saturday service. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders. Pay fares by cash or GBT pass. View schedules, routes, and real-time arrival info on the GBT website. Connections available to Metro-North and other transit systems.

203-366-7070 · 1 Cross St, Bridgeport, CT 06610 · Mon-Sat 5am-10pm · Visit Website

3. Metro-North Railroad – CT — Paid

Commuter rail service connecting Connecticut fathers and workers along the New Haven, Danbury, New Canaan, and Waterbury lines to Stamford, Grand Central, and points in New York. Frequent daily service with reduced fares for seniors and students. Buy tickets at stations, on the MTA app, or onboard with surcharge. View schedules and real-time info through the MTA site and app; station parking available at most stops.

877-690-5114 · 1 Station Pl, Stamford, CT 06902 · Service daily · Visit Website

4. SEAT – Southeastern Transit — Paid

Public bus service in New London County and eastern Connecticut, serving New London, Norwich, Groton, Waterford, and surrounding communities for fathers, families, and workers. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders; pay by cash or SEAT pass. View schedules, routes, and real-time arrival info on the SEAT website. Connections available to Shore Line East and other regional transit systems.

860-886-2631 · 199 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT 06385 · Mon-Sat 6am-7pm · Visit Website

5. CT DOT – Public Transit Division — Free

State Department of Transportation division overseeing Connecticut public transit programs including bus, rail, and paratransit. Provides transit planning, funding, and coordination across all eight counties. Call during business hours for general transit info, accessibility programs, or complaints. Useful resource for Connecticut fathers navigating rural and suburban transit options, commuter rail, bus, and ride-sharing programs statewide.

860-594-2000 · 2800 Berlin Tpke, Newington, CT 06131 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Middletown Area Transit (MAT) — Paid

Public bus service for Middletown-area fathers, families, and workers in Middlesex County. Routes serve Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, and surrounding communities with weekday and Saturday service. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders; pay by cash or MAT pass. View schedules, routes, and real-time arrival info on the MAT website. Connections available to CTtransit and regional transit systems for broader reach.

860-346-0212 · 1 Union Pl, Middletown, CT 06457 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm

7. CTrides – Commuter Assistance — Free

Free state-run commuter assistance program helping Connecticut fathers and workers find carpools, vanpools, transit routes, and employer commuter benefits. Services include ride-matching, Emergency Ride Home program, and personalized trip planning. Call during business hours or register online for a free account. Statewide coverage; useful for fathers commuting across regions or seeking alternatives to driving alone including bike and walk routes.

800-243-0718 · Mon-Fri 7am-7pm · Visit Website

8. CTfastrak – Hartford — Paid

Bus rapid transit system connecting Hartford, West Hartford, New Britain, and surrounding Greater Hartford communities. Frequent weekday and weekend service along a dedicated busway with express routes serving fathers, families, and workers. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders; pay by cash, Go CT Card, or mobile app. View schedules and real-time info on the CTfastrak website. Connections available to CTtransit routes.

860-522-8101 · Hartford, CT 06120 · Service daily

9. Shore Line East — Paid

Commuter rail service along the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven to New London for fathers, families, and workers. Weekday peak service with some weekend trains; reduced fares for seniors and students. Buy tickets at stations or onboard. View schedules and real-time info on the Shore Line East website or through the CT DOT app. Connections available to Metro-North, Amtrak, and SEAT at key shoreline stations.

877-287-4337 · Union Station, New Haven, CT 06510 · Mon-Fri peak hours · Visit Website

10. Norwalk Transit District — Paid

Public bus and paratransit service for Norwalk-area fathers, families, and workers. Routes serve Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, and surrounding lower Fairfield County communities with weekday and Saturday service. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders; pay by cash or NTD pass. View schedules, routes, and real-time arrival info on the Norwalk Transit website. Paratransit available by application for ADA-qualifying riders.

203-852-0000 · 275 Wilson Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

11. Milford Transit District — Paid

Local transit and dial-a-ride services for Milford-area fathers, families, and workers. Fixed-route bus service and on-demand dial-a-ride for seniors and disabled riders. Reduced fares for seniors and students; pay by cash or pass. View schedules, routes, and dial-a-ride application info on the Milford Transit website. Connections available to Greater Bridgeport Transit, CTtransit, and Metro-North for broader regional transit access.

203-874-4507 · Milford, CT 06460 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

12. Estuary Transit District – Old Saybrook — Paid

Public transit serving the lower Connecticut River Valley and shoreline for fathers, families, and workers in Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, and surrounding communities. Fixed-route bus service and paratransit with reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders. Pay by cash or pass. View schedules, routes, and paratransit info on the Estuary Transit website. Connections available to Shore Line East and regional transit.

860-510-0429 · Old Saybrook, CT 06475 · Mon-Sat 7am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Northeast Transportation Company – Danbury — Paid

Local bus service and commuter connections for Danbury-area fathers, families, and workers. Routes serve Danbury, Bethel, New Milford, and surrounding communities with weekday and Saturday service. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders; pay by cash or pass. View schedules and route info by phone during business hours. Connections available to Metro-North at Danbury and other regional transit systems throughout western CT.

203-748-2040 · Danbury, CT 06810 · Mon-Sat 6am-8pm

14. CT Medical Assistance Transportation — Free

Free non-emergency medical transportation for Connecticut HUSKY Health and Medicaid members traveling to covered medical appointments. Services include curb-to-curb rides, bus passes, and mileage reimbursement. Schedule trips at least 2 business days in advance by phone during business hours. Bring HUSKY ID, photo ID, and appointment details. Statewide coverage through Veyo with trips to medical, dental, and behavioral health providers.

855-478-7350 · Mon-Fri by appointment · Visit Website

15. Valley Transit District – Derby — Paid

Public bus service for the Naugatuck Valley region including Derby, Ansonia, Shelton, and surrounding communities for fathers, families, and workers. Fixed-route service with weekday and Saturday runs; reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders. Pay by cash or pass. View schedules and route info on the Valley Transit website. Connections available to Metro-North at Derby-Shelton and other regional transit systems.

203-735-6824 · Derby, CT 06418 · Mon-Sat 6am-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.