Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD)

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 Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

More Transportation in Florida

• Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) — Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metromover service across Miami-Dade County with 100+ bus routes and 23 rail stations. Use the EASY Card for discou
• LYNX — Central Florida Regional Transit (Orlando) — Bus service across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties in the Orlando area. Low-income riders may qualify for reduced fares through the T
• SunRail Commuter Rail (Central Florida) — Commuter rail connecting DeBary to Poinciana through downtown Orlando across four counties. 16 stations with convenient connections to LYNX
• JTA — Jacksonville Transportation Authority — Bus, paratransit, and autonomous vehicle shuttle services throughout Duval County in Jacksonville. Operates fixed-route buses, the U2C auton
• HART — Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (Tampa) — Bus and streetcar service across Hillsborough County including downtown Tampa. Reduced fares available for seniors, people with disabilities
• Broward County Transit (BCT) — Fixed-route buses and TOPS paratransit throughout Broward County. The Transportation Disadvantaged Bus Pass Program provides free monthly bu

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.