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 Minnesota

17 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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

17 Resources

1. Metro Transit — Paid

Metro Transit operates an extensive bus and light rail network throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, connecting neighborhoods, employment centers, universities, and the airport. Dads can use the Go-To Card for discounted fares or pay with cash on board. Routes and real-time arrival info are available via the Metro Transit app or website. Low-income riders may qualify for reduced-fare passes through the Transit Assistance Program. Contact Metro Transit or visit metrotransit.org for routes, schedules, and pass options.

612-373-3333 · 560 6th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Service daily 4am-1am · Visit Website

2. Transit Assistance Program – Metro Transit — Free

The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) through Metro Transit provides reduced-fare bus and light rail passes for low-income riders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Eligible dads can ride for a significantly discounted fare after qualifying based on household income. Apply through Metro Transit's TAP program with proof of income and household size. The reduced-fare card works on all Metro Transit buses and light rail lines. Contact Metro Transit customer service or visit metrotransit.org for application details and current income thresholds.

612-373-3333 · 560 6th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Metro Mobility – Paratransit — Paid

Metro Mobility provides door-to-door paratransit service for certified riders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area who are unable to independently use regular fixed-route bus or light rail due to a disability or health condition. Dads with qualifying disabilities can schedule rides for medical appointments, work, and other trips. Certification requires an application and functional assessment. Contact Metro Mobility to start the certification process; bring documentation of your disability or condition from a healthcare provider.

651-602-1111 · Service daily · Visit Website

4. MNDOT – Transit Assistance — Free

MnDOT administers state transportation assistance programs including Greater Minnesota public transit systems, rural rideshare programs, and transportation options for underserved populations outside the Twin Cities metro. Dads in outstate Minnesota can use the MnDOT website to find local transit providers, vanpool programs, and ride-matching services. Programs vary by region; contact MnDOT's Office of Transit and Active Transportation or your regional transit authority for information on services available in your area.

651-296-3000 · 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Newtrax – Employment Transportation — Paid

Newtrax provides specialized transportation assistance for people with disabilities to get to and from work in the Twin Cities area. Dads with disabilities who have difficulty accessing regular transit can explore Newtrax for rides that accommodate their needs. Services are designed to support employment and economic independence. Contact Newtrax to learn about eligibility requirements, coverage area, scheduling process, and any costs involved in accessing employment transportation services through their program.

651-999-9001 · 2100 Pillsbury Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Fri 5am-11pm · Visit Website

6. Volunteers of America – Transportation — Free

Volunteers of America Minnesota operates volunteer driver programs that provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. Dads who are aging, disabled, or caring for an elderly parent can benefit from these free or low-cost ride services. Service availability varies by region. Contact your local Volunteers of America office to find out which transportation programs operate in your area, eligibility requirements, and how to schedule a ride.

952-945-4000 · 7625 Metro Blvd #300, Edina, MN 55439 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Arrowhead Transit — Paid

Arrowhead Transit provides public bus service connecting rural communities across northeastern Minnesota, including the Iron Range, Boundary Waters region, and surrounding areas. Dads in this largely rural region can use Arrowhead Transit for transportation to work, medical appointments, and essential errands where personal vehicles are unavailable or unaffordable. Demand-responsive routes serve smaller communities. Contact Arrowhead Transit to find routes serving your area, check schedules, and learn about fare assistance programs available to qualifying riders.

800-862-0175 · 702 3rd Ave S, Virginia, MN 55792 · Mon-Sat varies · Visit Website

8. Rochester Public Transit — Paid

Rochester Public Transit operates the city bus system connecting neighborhoods, employment centers, medical facilities, and shopping areas throughout Rochester, Minnesota. Dads in Rochester can ride fixed routes to work, appointments, and daily errands at an affordable fare. Route and schedule information is available online and at the transit office. Reduced-fare options may be available for qualifying low-income riders, seniors, and people with disabilities. Contact Rochester Public Transit for current routes, fares, and pass purchase options.

507-328-2424 · 201 4th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 · Mon-Sat 5:30am-10pm · Visit Website

9. St. Cloud Metro Bus — Paid

St. Cloud Metro Bus provides public bus service across the St. Cloud metro area, connecting residential neighborhoods, St. Cloud State University, shopping centers, and employment hubs. Dads in central Minnesota can use Metro Bus for commuting, errands, and appointments at affordable fares. Monthly passes and day passes are available for frequent riders. Route maps and schedules are available online and at the transit hub downtown. Contact St. Cloud Metro Bus for fare information, current routes, and reduced-fare options for eligible riders.

320-251-1499 · 665 Franklin Ave NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

10. Duluth Transit Authority — Paid

Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) operates the public bus system throughout the Duluth-Superior metro area, connecting neighborhoods, the University of Minnesota Duluth, medical centers, and employment areas. Dads in the Duluth region can use the DTA for affordable daily commuting and errands. Route and schedule information is available through the DTA website and app. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and qualifying low-income riders. Contact DTA for pass options, current fares, and route changes.

218-722-7283 · 2402 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55806 · Mon-Sat 5:30am-11pm, Sun 7am-7pm · Visit Website

11. Mankato Transit System — Paid

Mankato Transit System provides public bus service with multiple routes connecting neighborhoods, Minnesota State University Mankato, shopping areas, and employment sites throughout the Greater Mankato area. Dads in south-central Minnesota can use Mankato Transit for affordable daily transportation without a car. Day passes and monthly passes are available for frequent riders. Check the Mankato Transit website for current routes, schedules, and fare information. Reduced fares may be available for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders.

507-625-1551 · 200 Elm St, Mankato, MN 56001 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6:30pm, Sat 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Moorhead Area Transit – MATBUS — Paid

Moorhead Area Transit (MATBUS) provides public bus service connecting Moorhead with Fargo across the Red River, serving the broader Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Dads in Moorhead or commuting across the state line can use MATBUS for affordable daily transportation to work, appointments, and errands. Routes connect residential neighborhoods, Minnesota State Moorhead, Concordia College, and shopping centers. Contact MATBUS for current routes, schedules, pass options, and information on reduced fares for qualifying riders.

701-232-7500 · 650 23rd St N, Moorhead, MN 56560 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

13. Transit for Livable Communities — Free

Transit for Livable Communities advocates for expanded transit access and promotes walking and biking as transportation options across Minnesota. Programs include grant funding for local transit projects, Safe Routes to School initiatives, and community outreach to improve mobility for underserved populations. Dads interested in alternatives to driving or in improving transit options in their neighborhood can learn about advocacy opportunities and community programs. Visit the TLC website or contact them to find out about local initiatives in your area.

651-767-0298 · 2356 University Ave W #403, St. Paul, MN 55114 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

14. Nice Ride Minnesota — Paid

Nice Ride Minnesota is a bike-share program with stations throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, offering affordable short-term bike rentals for commuting and errands. Dads can use the Nice Ride app or a credit card at any station to unlock a bike and return it to any other station in the network. Day passes, monthly memberships, and discounted plans for low-income riders are available. Visit niceridemn.com or use the app to find station locations, check bike availability, and sign up for a membership or discount pass.

1-877-551-6423 · Daily Apr-Nov

15. Minnesota Valley Transit Authority — Paid

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) operates public bus service connecting Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, and Savage to downtown Minneapolis and other metro destinations. Dads in these south metro suburbs can use MVTA express and local routes for affordable commuting without driving. Park-and-ride lots are available at several stations. Monthly passes and reduced-fare options for qualifying riders are offered. Contact MVTA or visit mvta.com for current routes, schedules, fares, and park-and-ride locations.

952-882-7500 · 100 E Highway 13, Burnsville, MN 55337 · Mon-Fri 5am-10pm · Visit Website

16. SouthWest Transit — Paid

SouthWest Transit provides express bus service connecting Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and other metro employment centers. Dads in the southwest suburbs can commute without driving and avoid downtown parking costs. Park-and-ride facilities are available at multiple stations. Monthly commuter passes and reduced fares for eligible riders are offered. Contact SouthWest Transit or visit swtransit.org for routes, schedules, park-and-ride locations, and current pass pricing.

952-949-2287 · 14405 W 62nd St, Eden Prairie, MN 55346 · Mon-Fri 5am-10pm · Visit Website

17. Maple Grove Transit — Paid

Maple Grove Transit operates express bus routes connecting Maple Grove to downtown Minneapolis and other metro employment destinations, giving northwest suburban dads an affordable commuting alternative. Park-and-ride lots at multiple Maple Grove locations make it easy to leave the car and ride in comfort. Monthly passes and frequent-rider options are available. Contact Maple Grove Transit or visit the city website for current route maps, schedules, fare information, and park-and-ride lot locations nearest your neighborhood.

763-494-6005 · 9451 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369 · Mon-Fri peak hours · 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.