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 Texas

16 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 Texas

Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.

16 Resources

1. DART — Dallas Area Rapid Transit — Paid

One of the largest light rail networks in the US serving Dallas and 12 surrounding cities. Light rail, bus, commuter rail, and on-demand GoLink service. Reduced fares for low-income riders through the GoPass Tap program. Monthly passes, single-ride tickets, and day passes available. Call (214) 979-1111 or visit dart.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. DART serves Dallas, Plano, Irving, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, and other North Texas cities.

(214) 979-1111 · 1401 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75202 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun 8 AM-5 PM · Visit Website

2. METRO Houston — Paid

Buses, METRORail light rail, commuter buses, and METROLift paratransit across greater Houston. Reduced fares for income-qualified riders and seniors. Call (713) 635-4000 or visit ridemetro.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. METRO's Q Card offers reduced fares for qualifying low-income riders. METROLift provides ADA paratransit for individuals with disabilities. Serves Houston and multiple surrounding communities in the greater Harris County area.

(713) 635-4000 · 1900 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun 8 AM-5 PM · Visit Website

3. VIA Metropolitan Transit — San Antonio — Paid

Bus routes, VIA Link on-demand service, and VIAtrans paratransit for Bexar County in San Antonio. Reduced fares for seniors and persons with disabilities. VIAtrans paratransit: (210) 362-2140 for scheduling. Visit viainfo.net for routes, schedules, and fare information. Monthly bus passes and day passes available. VIA serves the San Antonio metro area across Bexar County. Income-qualified riders may apply for reduced fare programs through the VIA office.

(210) 362-2020 · 800 W Myrtle St, San Antonio, TX 78212 · Customer service Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

4. Capital Metro — Austin & Central Texas — Paid

Bus, MetroRail commuter rail, MetroRapid, and Pickup on-demand transit for Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities. Capital Metro Access provides reduced fares for low-income riders. Call (512) 474-1200 or visit capmetro.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. Monthly passes and day passes available. Serves Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, and other Central Texas communities. Apply for reduced fare program with proof of income eligibility.

(512) 474-1200 · 2910 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702 · GO Line Mon-Fri 7 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun 8 AM-5 PM · Visit Website

5. STAR Transit — Dallas/Kaufman/Rockwall Counties — Paid

Public bus and dial-a-ride service for Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties in the Dallas suburbs. Affordable rides for the general public, seniors 60+, veterans, and people with disabilities. Fixed-route buses and demand-response service available. Call (972) 216-7788 or visit startransit.com for schedules, routes, and fare information. STAR Transit provides accessible transportation options for East Dallas County communities not served by DART.

(877) 631-5278 · P.O. Box 1289, Kaufman, TX 75142 · Scheduling Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website

6. Texas Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Free

Free transportation to and from covered healthcare appointments for eligible Texas Medicaid members who have no other means of getting to care. Contact your Medicaid managed care plan (MCO) to arrange rides — call the member services number on your Medicaid card. Rides must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance for non-emergency appointments. Available for doctor visits, pharmacy trips, mental health, dialysis, and other covered Medicaid services statewide.

(800) 925-9126 · Plan ahead 2+ business days · Visit Website

7. METROLift — Houston Paratransit — Paid

METRO's ADA-compliant paratransit service in Houston for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route buses or METRORail. Book up to 14 days in advance by calling (713) 225-0119. Riders must be certified eligible through METROLift's application process. Service operates within 3/4 mile of METRO fixed routes. Shared-ride, door-to-door service. Fares are comparable to standard METRO fares. Call for eligibility requirements and application information.

(713) 225-6716 · 1900 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 · Scheduling Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

8. Trinity Metro — Fort Worth/Tarrant County — Paid

Bus, TEXRail commuter rail connecting Fort Worth to DFW Airport, and ACCESS paratransit for Tarrant County in Fort Worth. Reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. Call (817) 215-8600 or visit trinityrailexpress.org and the Trinity Metro website for routes, schedules, and fares. Monthly passes and day passes available. ACCESS paratransit provides ADA-compliant door-to-door service for individuals with qualifying disabilities in Tarrant County.

(817) 215-8600 · 801 E Northside Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76102 · Customer service Mon-Fri 6 AM-7 PM · Visit Website

9. Sun Metro — El Paso Public Transit — Paid

Bus routes, Brio rapid transit, and LIFT paratransit across El Paso and the Sun City area. Reduced fares for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students. Call (915) 533-3333 or visit sunmetro.net for routes, schedules, and fare information. Monthly passes and day passes available. LIFT paratransit provides ADA-compliant door-to-door service for qualifying individuals with disabilities in El Paso. El Paso County residents use Sun Metro as the primary public transit option.

(915) 212-3333 · 10151 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925 · Customer service Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

10. Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) — Paid

Bus service and paratransit for the Corpus Christi metro area. B-Line fixed routes, Harbor Ferry, and ADA demand-response service for individuals with disabilities. Call (361) 883-2287 or visit ccrta.org for routes, schedules, and fare information. Monthly passes and day passes available. Reduced fares for seniors and persons with disabilities. CCRTA is the primary public transit authority serving the Corpus Christi and Nueces County area in South Texas.

(361) 883-2287 · 602 N Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 · Customer service Mon-Fri 8-5

11. Brazos Transit District — Bryan/College Station — Paid

Rural and urban public transit serving the Brazos Valley region around Bryan and College Station. Fixed bus routes in Bryan/College Station and demand-response service in 8 surrounding rural counties. Call Brazos Transit District for route and scheduling information. Reduced fares for seniors and persons with disabilities. ADA paratransit available. Serves residents of Brazos, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Burleson, Washington, and Waller counties in the Central Texas region.

(979) 778-0607 · 1759 N Earl Rudder Fwy, Bryan, TX 77803 · Mon-Fri 6 AM-7 PM; Sat 8 AM-6 PM · Visit Website

12. Citibus — Lubbock Public Transit — Paid

Fixed-route bus service and demand-response paratransit for Lubbock and the surrounding area. Affordable fares with reduced rates for seniors and persons with disabilities. Call (806) 712-2000 or visit citibus.com for route maps, schedules, and fare information. ADA paratransit service available for qualifying individuals who cannot use fixed routes. Monthly passes available for regular commuters. Citibus is the primary public transit option for Lubbock and Lubbock County residents.

(806) 712-2000 · 801 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401 · Mon-Sat routes; call for schedule · Visit Website

13. DAV Hospital Shuttle — Texas VA Medical Centers — Free

Free shuttle rides to VA medical centers across Texas provided by DAV volunteers through the DAV Transportation Network. Serves veterans who lack transportation to medical appointments at any Texas VA facility. Rides are available on scheduled days to each VA medical center. Call your local DAV chapter or the VA medical center's voluntary services office to inquire about shuttle availability and scheduling. No income requirement — service available to all veterans needing VA medical transportation.

(877) 426-2838 · Routes to TX VA hospitals · Scheduled runs; call to reserve · Visit Website

14. Good Wheels — Texas Non-Profit Vehicle Assistance — Free

National charity accepting vehicle donations and distributing cars to qualifying low-income families in need of reliable transportation. Check Good Wheels availability for Texas recipients at goodwheels.com. Eligibility and vehicle availability vary by region and current donations. Applications are competitive. Single parents and low-income working families are often prioritized. Also call 2-1-1 for other Texas car assistance programs, donated vehicle programs, and transportation vouchers for working low-income families.

Online application 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Uber/Lyft Medicaid Rides — Texas MCO Partners — Free

Several Texas Medicaid managed care plans partner with Uber Health and Lyft Healthcare for non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments. Contact the member services number on your Medicaid card to check eligibility and arrange a ride through your MCO. Rides must typically be scheduled in advance. Service availability varies by managed care plan and county. Covers trips to doctor visits, labs, pharmacy, mental health, and other covered Medicaid services statewide.

Varies by plan · Visit Website

16. Texas Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) — Paid

TxDOT funds 37 rural transit districts covering all 254 Texas counties. Demand-response and deviated fixed-route service for rural communities without commercial transit options. Call your county's rural transit district or 2-1-1 to find available rural transportation near you. Services typically require advance scheduling. Reduced or free fares available for seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities. A critical resource for rural Texas fathers needing transportation to work, healthcare, or services.

(512) 416-2810 · 37 rural districts statewide · Varies by district · 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.