Free non-emergency medical transportation for NY Medicaid recipients to and from covered medical appointments. Book through Medical Answering Services at (844) 666-6270 (Downstate) or (866) 932-7740 (Upstate). Available 24/7 for scheduling. Covers taxi, car service, wheelchair-accessible van, and ambulette. Call at least 3 business days in advance for scheduled appointments. No cost to Medicaid-enrolled patients.
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 New York
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.
per ride. Tap-to-pay with OMNY contactless card or phone, or use a MetroCard. Weekly fare capping
MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) — Commuter rail connecting NYC Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal to Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The busiest commuter railroad in North Ameri
MTA Metro-North Railroad — Commuter rail connecting NYC Grand Central Terminal to Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, and Connecticut. Buy tickets via the
NICE Bus — Nassau Inter-County Express — Public bus system for Nassau County, Long Island. Connects to NYC subway and LIRR at multiple transfer points. Travel Information Center at
RTS — Regional Transit Service (Rochester) — Public bus system serving Monroe County and the Rochester region with 50+ routes. Free fare available for qualifying low-income riders throu
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.