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 Oregon

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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

17 Resources

1. TriMet – Portland Transit — Paid

TriMet operates an extensive network of buses, MAX light rail lines, and the WES commuter rail serving Portland and surrounding metro communities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties. Call 503-238-7433 or visit trimet.org for trip planning, schedules, and fares. Fare payment is required; reduced-fare options are available for low-income riders, seniors, and people with disabilities. Purchase a Hop Fastpass card or use the TriMet app for convenient fare payment across all services.

503-238-7433 · 1800 SW 1st Ave #300, Portland, OR 97201 · Service daily 4am-1am · Visit Website

2. Lane Transit District – Eugene — Paid

Lane Transit District provides public bus service throughout Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding Lane County communities, with routes connecting neighborhoods, the University of Oregon, and downtown Eugene. Call 541-687-5555 or visit ltd.org for trip planning, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced-fare passes are available for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Buy tickets at the downtown Eugene station or use the LTD app for convenient fare payment on any route.

541-687-5555 · 3500 E 17th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403 · Mon-Sat 6am-11pm · Visit Website

3. Cherriots – Salem Transit — Paid

Cherriots operates the public bus network for Salem, Keizer, and surrounding communities in the mid-Willamette Valley, with local routes and a regional service connecting to nearby cities. Call 503-588-2877 or visit cherriots.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced-fare options are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Exact change or a Cherriots pass card is required for boarding; trip planning tools are available on the Cherriots website and app.

503-588-2877 · 555 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Sat 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

4. Rogue Valley Transportation District — Paid

Rogue Valley Transportation District operates public bus service throughout the Medford-Ashland area and surrounding Jackson County communities, connecting riders to jobs, medical appointments, and services in southern Oregon. Call 541-779-2877 or visit rvtd.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced-fare passes are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Bus schedules operate primarily Monday through Friday with limited Saturday service on select routes.

541-779-2877 · 3200 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-8pm · Visit Website

5. Cascades East Transit – Bend — Paid

Cascades East Transit provides public bus service in Bend and across central Oregon, including routes connecting Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, and Warm Springs for residents and visitors. Call 541-385-8680 or visit cascadeseasttransit.com for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced-fare options are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Schedules are primarily weekday-focused; the Bend urban routes offer more frequent service than rural and intercity routes.

541-385-8680 · 334 NE Hawthorne Ave, Bend, OR 97701 · Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

6. ODOT – Oregon Public Transit — Free

Oregon Department of Transportation's Public Transit Division funds and coordinates transit programs across the state, including rural transit assistance, intercity bus services, and statewide transportation planning to improve mobility for all Oregonians. Call 503-986-4000 during weekday business hours or visit oregon.gov/odot/rptd for information on rural transit programs and state-funded services. The division does not provide direct rides but connects communities and transit agencies with funding and coordination support.

503-986-4000 · 355 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. TriMet Reduced Fare Program — Free

TriMet's Reduced Fare Program provides discounted transit passes for low-income riders enrolled in the Low Income Fare program, seniors age 65 and older, and people with qualifying disabilities in the Portland metro area. Call 503-238-7433 during weekday business hours or visit trimet.org/reducedfare for eligibility details and application instructions. Eligible applicants provide documentation such as proof of income or age and disability status to receive a reduced-fare Hop Fastpass or qualifying ID.

503-238-7433 · 1800 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Amtrak Cascades – Oregon — Paid

Amtrak Cascades provides intercity rail service along the Pacific Northwest corridor, stopping in Portland, Salem, Albany, and Eugene in Oregon, with connections extending north to Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Call 800-872-7245 or visit amtrak.com to check schedules and book tickets. Fares apply; discounts are available for seniors, students, and children. Tickets are purchased in advance online or at station counters; bring a photo ID that matches your reservation when boarding in Portland.

800-872-7245 · 800 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · Daily departures

9. Greyhound – Oregon — Paid

Greyhound provides intercity bus service with stops throughout Oregon, including Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, and Klamath Falls, connecting to an extensive national network of routes across the country. Call 800-231-2222 or visit greyhound.com to check schedules and purchase tickets. Fares apply; advance purchase typically saves money. Bring a valid photo ID that matches your ticket reservation when boarding; passengers may check up to two bags with additional fees for extra luggage.

800-231-2222 · 550 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · Daily schedules · Visit Website

10. Klamath Tribes Transit — Paid

Klamath Tribes Transit, operating as Basin Express, provides public bus service in Klamath Falls and the surrounding basin area, connecting residents to medical appointments, jobs, and services in southern Oregon's Klamath County. Call 541-882-6639 or visit basinexpress.com for current routes and schedules. Fares apply; reduced-fare options may be available for qualifying riders. Check the website or call ahead for current route maps, stop locations, and any service changes before traveling.

541-882-6639 · 1301 Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

11. Columbia Area Transit – Hood River — Paid

Columbia Area Transit provides public bus service in Hood River and surrounding communities in the Columbia River Gorge region, connecting residents to services, employment, and health care in Hood River County. Call 541-386-4202 for current routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced fares may be available for seniors and people with disabilities. Routes primarily operate Monday through Saturday; call ahead or check schedules to confirm current service times and any seasonal adjustments.

541-386-4202 · 224 Wasco Loop, Hood River, OR 97031 · Mon-Sat 6am-7pm

12. Tillamook County Transportation District — Paid

Tillamook County Transportation District provides public bus service along the northern Oregon coast, connecting Tillamook, Pacific City, and surrounding communities with routes that serve residents, workers, and visitors in Tillamook County. Call 503-815-8283 for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced fares may be available for seniors and people with disabilities. Routes operate Monday through Saturday; verify current stop locations and schedules by calling ahead before traveling.

503-815-8283 · 3600 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141 · Mon-Sat 6am-7pm

13. Ride Connection – Portland — Free

Ride Connection in Portland coordinates free and reduced-cost transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities in the Portland metro area, providing door-to-door rides, volunteer driver programs, and transit assistance. Call 503-226-0700 during weekday business hours or visit rideconnection.org to learn about eligibility and how to request a ride. Services are free or low-cost for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. Call ahead to schedule rides; provide your address, destination, and any mobility equipment needs.

503-226-0700 · 9955 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Corvallis Transit System — Free

Corvallis Transit System provides fare-free public bus service throughout Corvallis and nearby areas, making it easy for residents, students, and workers to get around without a car or any out-of-pocket cost. Call 541-766-6998 or visit corvallisoregon.gov/cts for routes and schedules. Service is completely free to all riders. Buses operate Monday through Saturday; the system connects major destinations including Oregon State University, downtown Corvallis, shopping centers, and neighborhood residential areas.

541-766-6998 · 501 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

15. Albany Transit System — Paid

Albany Transit System provides local public bus service throughout Albany, connecting residents to jobs, shopping, medical appointments, and community services in Linn County's largest city. Call 541-917-7667 or visit cityofalbany.net for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced fares may be available for seniors and people with disabilities. Buses run Monday through Friday; check the schedule or call before traveling to confirm current route stops and service hours.

541-917-7667 · 333 Broadalbin St SW, Albany, OR 97321 · Mon-Fri 6am-7pm · Visit Website

16. Sunset Empire Transportation District – Astoria — Paid

Sunset Empire Transportation District provides public bus service along the north Oregon coast, including routes serving Astoria, Seaside, Warrenton, and surrounding Clatsop County communities. Call 503-861-7433 for current routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced fares may be available for seniors and people with disabilities. Buses run Monday through Saturday; call ahead or check schedules to confirm route stops and service times before planning your trip along the northern coast.

503-861-7433 · 900 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103 · Mon-Sat 6am-8pm

17. South Clackamas Transportation District — Paid

South Clackamas Transportation District provides public bus service for Molalla and southern Clackamas County communities, connecting rural residents to jobs, medical appointments, and services in the broader region. Call 503-632-7000 or visit sctd.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. Fares apply; reduced fares may be available for seniors and people with disabilities. Routes operate primarily Monday through Friday; call ahead to confirm current schedules and stop locations before your trip.

503-632-7000 · 210 E Main St, Molalla, OR 97038 · 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.