Free rides to VA medical appointments for veterans in North Carolina through the Disabled American Veterans volunteer transportation network. DAV volunteer drivers provide free door-to-door service from home to VA facilities for veterans who cannot drive. Schedule through your local VA medical center at least 2 days in advance. Call 919-286-0411 to schedule through the Durham VA or contact your nearest VA facility. Available Mon-Fri with rides scheduled 2 or more days ahead. Free for all eligible veterans.
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 North Carolina
North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.
GoRaleigh — City of Raleigh public bus system with over 20 fixed routes connecting neighborhoods, employment centers, and transit hubs. Affordable fares
GoDurham Transit — Durham's public bus system offering fixed-route and on-demand microtransit service throughout the city. GoDurham Connect provides on-demand
CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) — Charlotte's public transit system operating bus, LYNX Blue Line light rail, Gold Line streetcar, and CATS ADA paratransit across Mecklenburg
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA) — Public bus system serving Greensboro with over 15 fixed routes connecting neighborhoods, shopping centers, and employment areas. ADA paratra
WAVE Transit (Wilmington) — Public transportation serving Wilmington and New Hanover County with fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit (DART), and seasonal beach shu
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.