Way2Go Tennessee

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.

More Transportation in Tennessee

• WeGo Public Transit (Nashville) — Nashville's public transit system operating 43 fixed-route bus lines, Music City Star commuter rail service to Wilson County, and WeGo Acces
• Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) — Memphis public transit system operating fixed-route buses, heritage trolley lines, and MATAplus paratransit services for riders with disabil
• Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) — Knoxville's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, a free downtown trolley, and KAT paratransit for eligible riders with d
• CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation) — Chattanooga's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, the world-famous free electric shuttle in downtown Chattanooga, and C
• Clarksville Transit System — Public transit system serving Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the Fort Campbell area with fixed-route bus service and paratransit for el
• Tennessee DMV (Driver Services) — Tennessee's motor vehicle agency handling driver's license issuance and renewals, state ID cards, vehicle registrations, and title transfers

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.