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 Tennessee

14 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

14 Resources

1. WeGo Public Transit (Nashville) — Paid

Nashville's public transit system operating 43 fixed-route bus lines, Music City Star commuter rail service to Wilson County, and WeGo Access paratransit for riders with disabilities across Davidson County. Monthly passes, daily passes, and single-ride fares are available. Reduced fares are offered for seniors, persons with disabilities, and qualifying low-income riders. Plan trips using the WeGo real-time app or call for schedule and fare information.

615-862-5950 · 430 Myatt Dr, Nashville, TN 37115 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

2. Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) — Paid

Memphis public transit system operating fixed-route buses, heritage trolley lines, and MATAplus paratransit services for riders with disabilities across Shelby County. Monthly passes, day passes, and single-ride fares are available. Reduced fares apply for seniors and persons with disabilities. Download the MATA app or call for real-time route tracking, schedules, and fare information. Trip planning assistance is available by phone during business hours.

901-274-6282 · 1370 Levee Rd, Memphis, TN 38108 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

3. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) — Paid

Knoxville's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, a free downtown trolley, and KAT paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities across Knox County. Monthly passes, daily passes, and single-ride fares are available. Reduced fares apply for seniors and persons with disabilities. Use the KAT website or app for real-time arrival information and route planning. Call customer service for assistance with schedules, fares, and paratransit eligibility.

865-637-3000 · 301 Church Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

4. CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation) — Paid

Chattanooga's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, the world-famous free electric shuttle in downtown Chattanooga, and CARTA paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Monthly passes, day passes, and single-ride fares are available. Reduced fares apply for seniors and riders with disabilities. Use the CARTA website or call for route maps, real-time arrival information, and paratransit scheduling.

423-629-1473 · 1617 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37406 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

5. Clarksville Transit System — Paid

Public transit system serving Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the Fort Campbell area with fixed-route bus service and paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Fares are available as single rides or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares may apply for qualifying riders. Call for current route maps, schedules, and fare information, or visit the city website for downloadable route guides. Paratransit eligibility requires an application through the transit system.

931-553-2429 · 430 Boillin Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

6. Tennessee DMV (Driver Services) — Paid

Tennessee's motor vehicle agency handling driver's license issuance and renewals, state ID cards, vehicle registrations, and title transfers at offices across all 95 counties. For a new license or ID, bring proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Schedule appointments online to reduce wait times. CDL testing and written knowledge tests are also available at select locations.

615-741-3954 · Offices across Tennessee · Varies by location; many Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Murfreesboro Rover Transit — Paid

Public transit system serving Murfreesboro and Rutherford County with fixed-route bus service and Rover paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Fixed routes run Monday through Saturday with stops at major destinations including Middle Tennessee State University, medical facilities, shopping centers, and downtown. Fares are available as single rides or passes. Call or visit the city website for current route maps, schedules, and paratransit eligibility information.

615-890-3986 · 251 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Jackson Transit Authority — Paid

Public transit system serving Jackson and Madison County in West Tennessee with fixed-route bus service Monday through Saturday and demand-response paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Routes connect major destinations including shopping, medical facilities, and downtown Jackson. Fares are available as single rides and passes. Call or visit the city website for current route maps, schedules, fare information, and paratransit eligibility application details.

731-423-0200 · 137 E Main St, Jackson, TN 38301 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm; Sat 9am-3pm · Visit Website

9. Johnson City Transit — Paid

Public transit system serving Johnson City and the surrounding Tri-Cities area with fixed-route bus service and paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Routes run Monday through Saturday connecting major destinations including East Tennessee State University, medical facilities, downtown, and shopping areas. Fares are available as single rides or passes. Call or visit the city website for current route maps, schedules, and paratransit eligibility details.

423-434-6236 · 137 W Market St, Johnson City, TN 37604 · Mon-Sat; hours vary by route · Visit Website

10. East Tennessee Human Resource Agency - Transportation — Paid

Regional human services agency providing transportation services for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents across 16 East Tennessee counties. Services include demand-response medical transportation, senior mobility programs, and connections to county transit. Riders must schedule trips in advance by calling the transportation line during business hours. Eligibility and co-pay requirements vary by county and program; bring photo ID and any relevant documentation to your first trip request.

865-691-2551 · 9111 Cross Park Dr, Suite D-100, Knoxville, TN 37923 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. South Central Tennessee Development District - Transit — Paid

Rural transit program serving south-central Tennessee counties with demand-response transportation for medical appointments, employment, and other essential trips for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. Riders must schedule trips in advance by calling the transit line during business hours. Eligibility and co-pay requirements vary by county; bring photo ID and documentation of medical or essential transportation needs when first contacting the program.

931-379-2927 · 101 Sam Watkins Blvd, Mt Pleasant, TN 38474 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

12. Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency - Transit — Paid

Provides demand-response transportation services across the Mid-Cumberland region north of Nashville for elderly, disabled, and rural residents who lack access to other transportation options. Services are available for medical appointments, employment, and essential errands. Riders must schedule trips in advance by calling the transportation line. Eligibility and co-pay requirements vary by county; bring photo ID and documentation of transportation needs when first contacting the agency.

615-850-3918 · 1101 Kermit Dr, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37217 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) — Paid

Public transit system serving Kingsport and the Tri-Cities region of East Tennessee with fixed-route bus service Monday through Saturday and KATS paratransit for eligible riders with disabilities. Routes connect major destinations including medical facilities, Eastman Chemical Company, shopping centers, and downtown. Fares are available as single rides or passes. Call or visit the city website for route maps, schedules, and paratransit eligibility information.

423-224-2613 · 225 W Center St, Kingsport, TN 37660 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm · Visit Website

14. Way2Go Tennessee — Free

Tennessee Department of Transportation initiative promoting sustainable and alternative transportation options statewide including carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, biking, and walking. The program operates a free online rideshare matching tool to help Tennessee commuters find carpool or vanpool partners in their area. Employers can register to offer commuter benefits programs. Use the website to match with other commuters, calculate commuting costs, and explore transit options.

Statewide resource · Online 24/7 · 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.