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 Maine

12 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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

12 Resources

1. Community Connector – Bangor Transit — Paid

Fixed-route public bus service for the Bangor metropolitan area, connecting neighborhoods to jobs, medical appointments, schools, and shopping. Fathers can call 207-992-4670 Mon-Sat 6am-6pm for route and fare information or visit bangormaine.gov for schedules. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth. Buses are ADA accessible, and paratransit service is available for eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route buses.

207-992-4670 · Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm · Visit Website

2. Citylink – Lewiston-Auburn Transit — Paid

Public bus service for the Lewiston-Auburn twin cities offering fixed routes connecting residential neighborhoods to jobs, schools, medical facilities, and shopping. Fathers can call 207-784-5335 Mon-Sat 6am-6pm for route and fare information. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth. Buses are ADA accessible, and complementary paratransit service is offered for eligible riders with qualifying disabilities.

207-784-5335 · Lewiston, ME 04240 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm

3. MaineDOT – Public Transit — Free

State transportation department overseeing rural public transit, agency rides, and ferry services across Maine. Fathers needing transportation information can call 207-624-3250 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit maine.gov/mdot. The department supports regional transit providers serving seniors, people with disabilities, and income-eligible residents for medical and essential trips. Staff can direct callers to the MaineCare non-emergency medical transportation broker for covered rides.

207-624-3250 · 16 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Western Maine Transportation Services — Paid

Rural public transit provider serving Oxford, Franklin, and Androscoggin counties with fixed-route and demand-response bus service. Fathers can call 207-364-8981 Mon-Fri 6am-6pm or visit the Main Street office in Oxford for schedules and ride scheduling. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and MaineCare riders. Services include rides to medical appointments, workforce programs, and essential errands across western Maine.

207-364-8981 · 860 Main St, Oxford, ME 04270 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm

5. Downeast Transportation – Ellsworth — Paid

Rural public transit for Hancock County with fixed-route and seasonal service connecting Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and surrounding towns. Fathers can call 207-667-5796 Mon-Sat for schedules and fare information or visit downeasttrans.org. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and MaineCare riders. The agency also coordinates non-emergency medical transportation and seasonal Acadia National Park Island Explorer routes in summer.

207-667-5796 · Ellsworth, ME 04605 · Mon-Sat varies · Visit Website

6. Aroostook Regional Transportation — Paid

Rural public transit provider serving Aroostook County with demand-response and fixed-route services connecting communities across northern Maine. Fathers can call 207-498-2556 Mon-Fri 6am-5pm to schedule rides or learn about routes. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and MaineCare riders. Services include non-emergency medical transportation, rides to workforce programs, and connections to essential shopping and appointments.

207-498-2556 · Presque Isle, ME 04769 · Mon-Fri 6am-5pm

7. South Portland Bus Service — Paid

Local transit agency serving South Portland with fixed-route buses connecting to Greater Portland Metro for regional service. Fathers can call 207-774-0351 Mon-Sat 6am-9pm or visit gpmetro.org for schedules and fares. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and students. Buses are ADA accessible, and paratransit service is offered for eligible riders. Transfers between South Portland and Metro routes extend system reach.

207-774-0351 · South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Sat 6am-9pm · Visit Website

8. Kennebec Valley Community Action – Transportation — Free

Community Action Program offering rides for medical appointments and essential trips in Kennebec and Somerset counties. Fathers can call 207-859-1500 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm to schedule rides at the Water Street Waterville office. Bring photo ID, MaineCare card if applicable, and appointment details when scheduling. MaineCare non-emergency medical rides are free to eligible members; other services may be low-cost based on program and funding availability.

207-859-1500 · 97 Water St, Waterville, ME 04901 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Concord Coach Lines — Paid

Intercity bus service connecting Portland, Bangor, and other Maine communities to Boston's South Station and Logan Airport. Fathers can call 800-639-3317 daily or visit concordcoachlines.com to book tickets. Multiple departures run every day, and the Thompson Point Portland terminal has parking, restrooms, and indoor waiting. Luggage is included, and discounted fares are offered for seniors, military, students, and children when booked in advance.

800-639-3317 · 100 Thompson Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102 · Daily multiple departures · Visit Website

10. Amtrak Downeaster — Paid

Passenger rail service operating daily trains between Portland and Boston with stops in Freeport, Brunswick, and other towns. Fathers can call 800-872-7245 or book online at amtrakdowneaster.com. The Thompson Point Portland station offers parking, restrooms, and indoor waiting. Discounts are available for seniors, military, students, and children when booked in advance. Travel time to Boston is roughly 2-3 hours with onboard Wi-Fi and cafe service.

800-872-7245 · 100 Thompson Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102 · Daily multiple departures · Visit Website

11. Maine Medical Center – Patient Transportation — Free

Shuttle and transport services supporting patients and families traveling to Maine Medical Center's Bramhall Street Portland campus. Fathers can call 207-662-0111 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm to ask about patient shuttles, parking assistance, and transport options between buildings. Social workers can help connect uninsured or low-income families with volunteer ride programs and MaineCare non-emergency medical transportation for covered appointments and discharges.

207-662-0111 · 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Waldo Community Action – Transportation — Paid

Rural transportation services for Waldo County residents, providing rides for medical appointments, essential shopping, and community services. Fathers can call 207-338-6809 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm to schedule rides at the Belfast office. Bring photo ID and MaineCare card if applicable, along with appointment details. Non-emergency medical transportation is generally free for eligible MaineCare members; other trips may carry a modest fee based on program rules.

207-338-6809 · Belfast, ME 04915 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · 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.