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 Michigan

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 Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support specific to Michigan. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help online self-help center is one of the most robust in the US.

15 Resources

1. DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) — Paid

Detroit's public bus system providing fixed-route service across all major city corridors with connections to SMART suburban transit and the Q Line streetcar. Buses run 7 days a week with varying frequencies by route. Fares are low and transfers are available. Seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders may qualify for reduced fares. Use the DDOT route planner online or call to plan your trip. Check the DDOT app for real-time bus tracking.

313-933-1300 · 100 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

2. SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) — Paid

Regional bus system serving suburban Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties with fixed-route, FAST express, connector shuttle, and ADA paratransit services connecting to DDOT in Detroit. Routes cover major employment corridors, hospital campuses, and shopping centers across the tri-county area. Reduced fares available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Use the SMART trip planner at smartbus.org or call for route information. Day passes and monthly passes are available for frequent riders.

866-962-5515 · 535 Griswold St, Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48226 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

3. The Rapid (Grand Rapids) — Paid

Grand Rapids' public transit system operating fixed-route buses, the Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit corridor, and ADA paratransit services across Kent County. Routes connect downtown Grand Rapids to major neighborhoods, hospitals, colleges, and employment centers. Reduced fares available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Use the Rapid's online trip planner or app for real-time arrivals. Monthly and day passes offer savings for regular commuters using the system frequently.

616-456-7514 · 300 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

4. Mass Transportation Authority (Flint) — Paid

Flint's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit, and Your Ride demand-response services throughout Genesee County. Routes connect major Flint neighborhoods to employment centers, hospitals, and shopping areas. Reduced fares are available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Call MTA or visit mtaflint.org for schedules, route maps, and to book Your Ride trips. Day passes and monthly passes available for regular riders who use the service frequently.

810-767-0100 · 1401 S Dort Hwy, Flint, MI 48503 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

5. CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) - Lansing — Paid

Lansing's public transit system providing fixed-route buses, rural service, and ADA paratransit across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. Routes connect Lansing, East Lansing, and surrounding communities to employment, healthcare, and education destinations. Reduced fares for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Visit cata.org for schedules, trip planning, and fare options. Day passes and monthly passes are available. The Spec-Tran paratransit service serves riders with disabilities who cannot use fixed routes.

517-394-1000 · 4615 Tranter St, Lansing, MI 48910 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

6. Q Line / Detroit People Mover — Paid

Detroit's Q Line streetcar runs along Woodward Ave connecting the New Center area to downtown, while the elevated People Mover loops around downtown Detroit's central business district, connecting to major venues, parking decks, and the riverfront. Both systems offer low-cost fares and connect to DDOT buses and SMART regional transit. The Q Line app provides real-time arrival info. A great option for navigating downtown Detroit without a car or parking hassle.

313-528-3579 · Woodward Ave corridor, Detroit, MI · Service hours vary · Visit Website

7. Michigan Secretary of State (Driver's License) — Paid

Michigan's Secretary of State offices handle driver's licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, and title transfers statewide. Many transactions can be completed online at michigan.gov/sos or at a self-service station. In-office visits require an appointment at most branches. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number for license transactions. Check the SOS website for required documents by transaction type before visiting to avoid delays or return trips.

888-767-6424 · 130+ branch offices across Michigan · By appointment; varies by location · Visit Website

8. Michigan 2-1-1 - Transportation Resources — Free

Free statewide 2-1-1 helpline connecting Michigan residents to local transportation assistance, ride programs, transit discount programs, and non-emergency medical transport resources in their area. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit mi211.org. Available 24/7. Specialists can locate bus passes, volunteer driver programs, medical ride assistance, and reduced-fare transit options by zip code. No cost to call. Useful for finding transportation to medical appointments, job interviews, or essential services.

211 · Statewide phone/online service · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Kalamazoo Metro Transit — Paid

Public bus service for Kalamazoo County operating fixed routes connecting downtown Kalamazoo to neighborhoods, employment centers, and major destinations, plus Metro Connect ADA paratransit for riders with disabilities. Reduced fares available for seniors, students, and qualifying riders. Visit kmetro.com for route maps, schedules, and fare information. Day passes and monthly passes are available for regular users. Call or use the website trip planner to map your route before boarding.

269-337-8222 · 530 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

10. BATA – Bay Area Transportation Authority (Traverse City) — Paid

Bay Area Transportation Authority provides public transit for the Traverse City and Grand Traverse area with fixed bus routes and demand-response BATA On-Demand service for lower-density areas. Reduced fares available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Routes connect Traverse City to surrounding communities, employment, healthcare, and shopping. Visit bata.net for schedules, fares, and to book demand-response trips. Call ahead to reserve a demand-response ride at least one day in advance.

231-941-2324 · 115 Hall St, Traverse City, MI 49684 · Mon-Sat

11. Saginaw Transit Authority (STARS) — Paid

Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) provides public bus service for Saginaw County with fixed routes connecting major neighborhoods, employment centers, and healthcare facilities, plus ADA paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Reduced fares available for seniors and qualifying riders. Visit saginawtransit.com for schedules, route maps, and fare information. Call STARS to inquire about paratransit eligibility and to book rides that require advance reservation.

989-907-4000 · 115 S Jefferson Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607 · Mon-Sat 6am-8pm · Visit Website

12. Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) — Paid

TheRide provides public transit for Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti with fixed bus routes, express services, and FlexRide demand-response for lower-density areas. Routes connect the University of Michigan, downtown Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti to employment, healthcare, and retail destinations. Reduced fares available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Visit theride.org for schedules, trip planning, and fare options. Monthly passes are cost-effective for frequent commuters using the service regularly.

734-996-0400 · 2700 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 · Mon-Sun; hours vary · Visit Website

13. DAV Hospital Shuttle – Michigan VA Centers — Free

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Volunteer Transportation Network provides free shuttle rides to VA medical centers across Michigan for veterans who need assistance getting to appointments. Volunteer drivers operate the program at no cost to veterans. To schedule a ride, contact your nearest Michigan VA medical center's DAV transportation coordinator in advance. Bring your VA card. This service is especially valuable for veterans without transportation to the Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, or Detroit VA campuses.

877-426-2838 · Routes to MI VA hospitals · Scheduled runs · Visit Website

14. Blue Water Area Transit (Port Huron) — Paid

Blue Water Area Transit provides public bus service for St. Clair County with fixed routes connecting Port Huron and surrounding communities to employment, healthcare, and retail destinations, plus dial-a-ride paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Reduced fares available for seniors and qualifying riders. Visit bwatonline.com for route maps, schedules, and fare information. Call to inquire about paratransit eligibility and to book dial-a-ride trips that require advance scheduling.

810-987-7373 · 2021 Lapeer Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060 · Mon-Sat

15. Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) — Paid

Jackson Area Transportation Authority provides public transit for Jackson County with fixed bus routes and demand-response service for areas not covered by fixed routes. Routes connect downtown Jackson to employment, healthcare facilities, and major destinations throughout the county. Reduced fares available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Visit jacksontransit.com for schedules, route maps, and fare details. Call ahead to book demand-response rides that require at least one day advance reservation.

517-789-3000 · 127 E Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201 · Mon-Sat

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.