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 Rhode Island

5 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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

5 Resources

1. RIDOT – Public Transit Division — Free

Rhode Island Department of Transportation transit programs and resources from the Capitol Hill office in Providence, including coordination with RIPTA, project planning, and information on road conditions. Fathers can use RIDOT's tools to plan commutes, check detours, and learn about accessibility features. Call during business hours for help. Have your route, destination, and any accessibility or accommodation needs ready when contacting staff.

401-222-2450 · 2 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. RIde Program – Paratransit — Paid

Door-to-door paratransit service for certified RIPTA RIde riders with disabilities across Rhode Island, with dispatch coordinated from the Providence office. Fathers or family members eligible due to a disability can apply to be certified, then schedule rides in advance. Call during business hours to request an application. Bring photo ID, medical documentation of the disability, and proof of RI residency to your certification appointment.

401-461-9760 · Providence, RI 02907 · Service daily · Visit Website

3. Community Action – Transportation — Free

Transportation assistance for low-income Rhode Island residents coordinated through community action agencies, with the Providence hub at 401-351-2750. Programs may include medical rides, job-related travel help, and referrals to bus pass programs for fathers and families. Call during business hours to check availability in your town. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and documentation of the appointment or job you need to reach.

401-351-2750 · Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. RIPTA – Kennedy Plaza Hub — Paid

RIPTA's Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence is the main transit hub connecting bus routes across Rhode Island, with real-time departure information and a customer service office for passes and accessibility support. Fathers commuting with children or using the network to reach appointments can plan trips online or at the hub. Call customer service during business hours. Bring photo ID for reduced-fare applications and exact fare or a stored-value card.

401-781-9400 · Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 · Service daily · Visit Website

5. MBTA Commuter Rail – Wickford Junction — Paid

MBTA Commuter Rail stop on Post Road in North Kingstown serving southern Rhode Island with service to Providence and Boston via the Providence/Stoughton Line. Fathers commuting or traveling with children can buy tickets at the station or through the MBTA app. Call the MBTA customer service line during business hours for schedules and accessibility questions. Check the website for parking, schedules, and any service advisories before heading out.

617-222-3200 · 7585 Post Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 · Service daily · 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.