Council on Aging – Transportation Services

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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

More Transportation in Louisiana

• CATS – Capital Area Transit System — Public bus service serving the Baton Rouge area with fixed routes across the capital region. Useful for fathers without reliable transportat
• SporTran – Shreveport Transit — Public bus service in the Shreveport-Bossier City area with fixed routes across Caddo and Bossier parishes. Useful for fathers without relia
• Lafayette Transit System — Public bus service in the Lafayette area with fixed routes across the city and immediate surrounding areas. Useful for fathers without relia
• Louisiana DOTD – Public Transit — State Department of Transportation and Development division administering rural and small urban transit programs across Louisiana parishes.
• Lake Charles Transit — Public transit service in the Lake Charles area offering fixed routes across the city. Useful for fathers without reliable transportation ne
• Jefferson Transit – JeT — Public bus service connecting Jefferson Parish communities including Metairie, Kenner, and Gretna across the greater New Orleans area. Usefu

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.