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 Delaware

6 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 Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

6 Resources

1. SEPTA Regional Rail — Delaware Stations — Paid

SEPTA commuter rail service connecting northern Delaware to Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, with the Delaware hub at Wilmington Station on South French Street. Fathers can commute to jobs, medical appointments, and court dates across the region. Fares vary by zone and time; monthly passes reduce the per-ride cost. Schedules are posted on the SEPTA site and at the station, and single-ride tickets are sold on site.

(215) 580-7800 · Wilmington Station, 100 S French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Varies by schedule · Visit Website

2. Delaware Transit Solutions — Paid

Delaware Transit Corporation (DART First State) community transportation programs and ride-share options for Delaware residents statewide, including paratransit for riders with disabilities and medical transportation programs. Fathers without reliable transportation can call during business hours to learn about available routes, discounted fares, and eligibility for specialized services. Bring photo ID and any disability documentation if applying for paratransit service.

(302) 652-3278 · Statewide service · Varies · Visit Website

3. Amtrak — Wilmington Station — Paid

Amtrak Northeast Corridor rail service connecting Wilmington to Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston from the historic station on South French Street. Delaware fathers traveling for work, family, or court dates can book online, by phone, or at the station ticket counter. Tickets vary in price by day and time; advance purchase usually saves money. Photo ID is required for travel and at the ticket counter.

(800) 872-7245 · 100 S French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Daily 5am-12am

4. Delaware 211 Transportation Assistance — Free

Delaware 211 helpline referring residents to local transportation programs, ride programs, and emergency transportation help. Dial 211 from any phone to reach a trained specialist who can identify nearby options for medical appointments, job interviews, court dates, and basic needs. Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock in all three counties. No ID is required to receive referrals and resource information.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Delaware Carpool and Rideshare Program — Free

Delaware Department of Transportation rideshare matching program helping commuters find carpool partners to reduce costs and traffic statewide, coordinated from the Dover DelDOT headquarters on Bay Road. Fathers with regular commutes can register online with work address and schedule to be matched with nearby drivers and riders. Service is free; participants negotiate fuel and cost sharing directly with matched partners during weekday business hours.

(302) 760-2080 · 800 Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — ID Services — Paid

Delaware DMV services including state-issued ID cards and REAL ID needed for employment, benefits, and air travel, with the main Dover office on Transportation Circle. Fathers without a current license can apply for a non-driver ID. Bring proof of identity such as birth certificate or passport, two proofs of Delaware address, Social Security card, and the required fee. Appointments reduce wait times; walk-ins are also accepted weekdays.

(302) 744-2500 · 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · 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.