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 South Dakota

13 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 South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

13 Resources

1. Sioux Area Metro (SAM) — Paid

Public transit bus service in the Sioux Falls metropolitan area with fixed routes and paratransit service. SAM covers major employment, shopping, and medical centers six days a week from the Main Avenue hub. Fathers can buy single-ride tickets or monthly passes. Discounted fares are available for youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities. Check the SAM website for route maps, schedules, and service change alerts.

(605) 367-7151 · 101 N Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Sat 6am-7pm · Visit Website

2. Rapid Transit System — Paid

Public bus service in the Rapid City area operated by the City of Rapid City. Fixed routes connect downtown, schools, and shopping six days a week, and paratransit service is available for riders with disabilities. Fathers can buy single rides or discounted passes. The 6th Street terminal is the main transfer hub. Visit the Rapid Ride website for maps, schedules, and alerts before planning trips across the Black Hills area.

(605) 394-6631 · 333 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701 · Mon-Sat 6am-7pm · Visit Website

3. Prairie Hills Transit — Paid

Rural public transportation serving communities across central and western South Dakota from offices in Spearfish. Services include demand-response rides, medical trips, and fixed schedules between towns. Fathers without reliable transportation can call ahead to book rides. Fares are paid per trip, and reduced fares may be available for seniors and riders with disabilities. Call weekdays to schedule and confirm route availability.

(605) 996-0180 · 800 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

4. River Cities Transit — Pierre — Paid

Public transportation serving Pierre, Fort Pierre, and surrounding areas with dial-a-ride and limited fixed routes. Fathers can call weekdays to schedule trips to work, medical appointments, or shopping. Fares are paid per ride, and reduced fares may be offered for seniors, youth, and riders with disabilities. Advance reservations help secure rides during peak times. Visit the website for service areas and current schedules.

(605) 945-2360 · Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Jefferson Lines — South Dakota — Paid

Intercity bus service connecting South Dakota cities to regional destinations across the Midwest. Jefferson Lines stops include Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and other travel hubs. Fathers traveling for work or visitation can book tickets online or at partner stations. Have photo ID and any reservation confirmation ready when boarding. Check the website for current routes, fares, and baggage policies before traveling across state lines.

(800) 451-5333 · Multiple stops statewide · Varies by route · Visit Website

6. Northeast SD Transit — Aberdeen — Paid

Public transit and demand-response transportation for Aberdeen area residents covering the city and outlying communities. Service includes scheduled rides to medical, work, and shopping destinations. Fathers without vehicles can call weekdays to book rides and learn about fares. Reduced fares may be available for seniors, riders with disabilities, and youth. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for early morning and late afternoon trips.

(605) 626-7177 · Aberdeen, SD 57401 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

7. SD DOT — Mobility Management — Free

State transportation mobility management connecting riders with transit options including public bus, rural transit, and volunteer driver programs. The SDDOT Pierre office maintains resources, training, and coordination for transit providers statewide. Fathers who need help navigating transportation options for themselves, children, or aging parents can call weekdays. Staff can refer callers to the appropriate local agency for ride scheduling.

(605) 773-3265 · 700 E Broadway Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Watertown Transit — Paid

Local bus service and demand-response rides for Watertown area residents operated by the City of Watertown. Service includes trips to medical, work, and shopping destinations within the city. Fathers without vehicles can call weekdays to schedule rides, learn fares, and check eligibility for reduced rates. Advance reservations may be required for some trips. Visit the city website for current route maps, schedules, and updates.

(605) 882-6230 · 23 2nd St NE, Watertown, SD 57201 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Brookings Area Transit — Paid

Public transportation for Brookings residents including fixed route and dial-a-ride service operated by the City of Brookings. Service covers key employment, medical, and shopping destinations weekdays. Fathers can ride pay per trip or purchase discounted passes. Reduced fares are available for seniors, youth, and riders with disabilities. Call or visit the Western Avenue office for schedules, maps, and reservation requirements for rides.

(605) 692-4030 · 525 Western Ave, Brookings, SD 57006 · Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm · Visit Website

10. SD Tribal Transportation Program — Free

Federal transportation assistance for tribal communities on South Dakota reservations administered through the Federal Lands Highway Program. Funding supports road, bridge, and transit improvements on tribal lands. Fathers interested in tribal transportation programs can contact their tribe's transportation department. Services may include medical rides, commuter transit, and infrastructure projects designed to improve mobility for enrolled members.

(605) 226-7452 · Federal Lands Highway, Aberdeen SD area · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. SD DOT — 511 Travel Info — Free

Road conditions, weather alerts, and travel information for South Dakota available by dialing 511 or visiting the state's online traveler information portal. Updates cover highway closures, winter driving conditions, construction, and incidents. Fathers planning commutes, school pickups, or long trips can check before heading out. The service is free and operates around the clock, with trip planning tools and live camera views online.

511 · Statewide service · 24/7

12. Rides Mass Transit — Mitchell — Paid

Public bus and demand-response transit for Mitchell and Davison County residents operated through the city. Service includes trips to medical, work, and shopping destinations weekdays. Fathers without vehicles can call to schedule rides and learn about fares and eligibility for reduced rates. Advance reservations may be required for some trips. Visit the Mitchell city website for current route maps and schedule information.

(605) 995-8224 · 612 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

13. Huron Transit — Beadle Area Community Services — Paid

Local transit and medical ride coordination for low-income residents in the Huron area operated by Beadle Area Community Services. Service includes demand-response rides to work, medical appointments, and essential errands. Fathers in need of transportation can call weekdays to schedule trips and inquire about reduced fares. Bring photo ID and any medical or appointment documentation when requesting medical transportation services.

(605) 352-9777 · 155 Dakota Ave S, Huron, SD 57350 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm

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.