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 Mississippi

16 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 Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

16 Resources

1. JATRAN – Jackson Transit — Paid

Jackson's public bus system serving the city and nearby areas with multiple fixed routes. Main office at 1785 Hwy 80 W, operating Mon-Sat 5am-9pm. Fathers can use the website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit service may be available for eligible riders.

601-960-1766 · 1785 Hwy 80 W, Jackson, MS 39204 · Mon-Sat 5am-9pm · Visit Website

2. Coast Transit Authority – Gulf Coast — Paid

Public bus authority serving Gulfport, Biloxi, and surrounding Mississippi Gulf Coast communities with fixed-route and paratransit services. Main office at 333 DeBuys Rd in Gulfport, operating Mon-Sat 5:30am-7pm. Fathers can use the website for routes, schedules, and fares, including reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes.

228-896-8080 · 333 DeBuys Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507 · Mon-Sat 5:30am-7pm · Visit Website

3. MDOT – Mississippi Public Transit — Free

Mississippi Department of Transportation division supporting statewide public transit programs and rural transportation assistance for residents without cars. Office at 401 N West St in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can use the website to locate their nearest local transit provider, rural transportation coordinator, or vanpool program. MDOT staff can answer questions about transit planning, ADA paratransit, and rural route service.

601-359-7001 · 401 N West St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. DAV Transportation – Mississippi VA — Free

Disabled American Veterans volunteer-driven transportation program providing free rides for eligible veterans to VA medical appointments in Mississippi. Administrative office at 1500 E Woodrow Wilson Ave in Jackson, Mon-Fri by appointment. Fathers who are veterans can call to request a ride in advance and confirm eligibility. Bring VA ID, photo ID, and appointment details. Schedule and routes depend on volunteer availability.

601-362-4471 · 1500 E Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39216 · Mon-Fri by appointment · Visit Website

5. SMART – Starkville Transit — Paid

Public transit system serving Starkville and the Mississippi State University area with fixed routes and university shuttle services. Operating Mon-Sat 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares for seniors, students, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes or student passes. Paratransit options may be available.

662-323-2294 · Starkville, MS 39759 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm · Visit Website

6. Hattiesburg Transit – Hub City Transit — Paid

Public bus service for Hattiesburg and surrounding Forrest County communities, operating fixed routes Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit and complementary ADA service may be available for eligible riders.

601-545-4646 · Hattiesburg, MS 39401 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

7. Delta Rides – Rural Transit — Paid

Rural public transit serving Mississippi Delta communities with demand-response and fixed-route services for residents without private transportation. Main operations in Greenville, running Mon-Fri 6am-5pm. Fathers can call to ask about service areas, fares, and how to schedule a ride in advance, particularly for medical appointments. Bring photo ID when registering as a rider. Reduced fares may apply for seniors or persons with disabilities.

662-334-4511 · Greenville, MS 38701 · Mon-Fri 6am-5pm

8. Tupelo Transit — Paid

Public transit service for Tupelo and the surrounding northeast Mississippi area with fixed-route and demand-response options. Operating Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit and complementary ADA service may be available for eligible riders.

662-841-6549 · Tupelo, MS 38801 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

9. Magnolia Transit – Meridian — Paid

Public transit serving the Meridian metro area with fixed-route bus service for commuters and residents. Operating Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit and ADA complementary service may be available for eligible riders.

601-485-1855 · Meridian, MS 39301 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

10. DeSoto County Transit – Southaven — Paid

Public transit connecting Southaven and DeSoto County residents to local jobs, services, and the greater Memphis metropolitan area. Operating Mon-Fri 6am-7pm. Fathers can use the county website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit service may be available for eligible riders.

662-469-8500 · Southaven, MS 38671 · Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

11. Columbus Transit — Paid

Public transit service for Columbus and the Lowndes County area with fixed-route bus service. Operating Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can call for information on routes, schedules, and fares, including any reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit or complementary ADA service may be available for eligible riders with qualifying conditions.

662-328-4254 · Columbus, MS 39701 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm

12. Vicksburg Transit — Paid

Public transit service for Vicksburg and the surrounding Warren County area, operating fixed routes Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit and ADA complementary service may be available to eligible riders with qualifying conditions.

601-636-1864 · Vicksburg, MS 39183 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Greyhound Bus – Jackson Station — Paid

Greyhound intercity bus terminal in downtown Jackson with service to cities across Mississippi and beyond. Terminal at 308 S Jefferson St, with daily schedules varying by route. Fathers traveling or helping family members plan travel can book tickets online, by phone, or at the terminal. Bring photo ID for ticketing and any required baggage. Fare and schedule information is available on the Greyhound website year-round.

601-353-6342 · 308 S Jefferson St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Daily varies · Visit Website

14. Amtrak – City of New Orleans Route — Paid

Long-distance Amtrak passenger rail service on the City of New Orleans line stopping in Mississippi cities such as Jackson, Yazoo City, Hazlehurst, McComb, and others, with connections to Memphis and New Orleans. Jackson station at 300 W Capitol St; daily schedules. Fathers traveling with family can book tickets online or by phone. Bring photo ID for ticketing and boarding. Fare and schedule information is available on Amtrak's website.

800-872-7245 · 300 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Daily varies

15. Golden Triangle Transit – Columbus Area — Paid

Regional transit service serving the Golden Triangle area of Columbus, Starkville, and West Point with connections between key community destinations. Operating Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can call for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares that may be available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit service may be available for eligible riders.

662-243-1900 · Columbus, MS 39701 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm

16. Natchez Transit — Paid

Public transit service for Natchez and Adams County, operating fixed routes and on-demand service Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Fathers can use the city website for routes, schedules, and fare information, including any reduced fares available for seniors, youth, or people with disabilities. Bring photo ID when applying for reduced-fare passes. Paratransit and ADA complementary service may be available to eligible riders with qualifying conditions.

601-445-7555 · Natchez, MS 39120 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · 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.