SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation)

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.

More Transportation in Michigan

• DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) — Detroit's public bus system providing fixed-route service across all major city corridors with connections to SMART suburban transit and the
• The Rapid (Grand Rapids) — Grand Rapids' public transit system operating fixed-route buses, the Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit corridor, and ADA paratransit services ac
• Mass Transportation Authority (Flint) — Flint's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit, and Your Ride demand-response services throughout Genesee
• CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) - Lansing — Lansing's public transit system providing fixed-route buses, rural service, and ADA paratransit across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.
• Q Line / Detroit People Mover — Detroit's Q Line streetcar runs along Woodward Ave connecting the New Center area to downtown, while the elevated People Mover loops around
• Michigan Secretary of State (Driver's License) — Michigan's Secretary of State offices handle driver's licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, and title transfers statewide. Many tr

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.