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 Virginia

15 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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

15 Resources

1. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) — Paid

Commuter rail service connecting Northern Virginia suburbs to Washington DC with stations along two lines from Fredericksburg and Manassas to Union Station. VRE operates weekday rush-hour trains only and is an affordable alternative to driving into DC. Monthly passes and stored-value tickets are available. Bikes are allowed on trains. Parking is available at most stations. Visit vre.org for schedules, fares, and station information for the Fredericksburg and Manassas commuter rail lines.

703-684-1001 · 1500 King St, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314 · Weekday rush-hour service only · Visit Website

2. WMATA Metrorail & Metrobus (Northern VA) — Paid

Washington Metro system serving Northern Virginia with rail stations in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Alexandria plus extensive Metrobus routes. Reduced fare SmarTrip cards are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Metro connects Northern Virginia to downtown DC, Maryland, and major employment centers. Trains run from approximately 5am to midnight on weekdays. Plan trips and check schedules at wmata.com or use the Metro app for real-time arrival information.

202-637-7000 · Multiple stations across Northern Virginia · Service hours vary; rail 5am-midnight weekdays · Visit Website

3. GRTC Transit System (Richmond) — Paid

Richmond's public transit system operating fixed-route buses including the Pulse bus rapid transit line along Broad Street and paratransit services for people with disabilities across the Richmond metro area. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Day passes and monthly passes available. Real-time bus tracking is available through the GRTC app. Call 804-358-4782 or visit ridegrtc.com for routes, schedules, fares, and paratransit eligibility information.

804-358-4782 · 301 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA 23224 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

4. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) — Paid

Public transit serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and surrounding Hampton Roads communities with fixed-route buses, The Tide light rail, and Harbor Ferry service. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Day passes and monthly passes available at the transit center and online. Call 757-222-6100 or visit gohrt.com for routes, schedules, and fare information across the Hampton Roads transit system.

757-222-6100 · 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23661 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

5. Valley Metro (Roanoke) — Paid

Roanoke's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service, paratransit for qualifying passengers with disabilities, and the Star City Trolley connecting downtown Roanoke destinations. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Monthly passes offer savings over single-ride fares. Call 540-982-0305 or visit valleymetro.com for route maps, schedules, fares, and paratransit eligibility information. Service covers Roanoke City, Salem, and surrounding Roanoke Valley communities.

540-982-0305 · 1108 Campbell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

6. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) — Paid

City bus system serving Charlottesville and the University of Virginia area with fixed routes connecting neighborhoods, the downtown mall, UVA grounds, and key destinations. Paratransit services are available for qualifying individuals with disabilities. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 434-296-3184 or visit the city website for route maps, schedules, and fare information. Free unlimited rides are available for UVA students with a valid UVA ID card.

434-296-3184 · 605 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

7. Virginia DMV — Paid

Virginia's motor vehicle agency handling driver's licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, and title transfers at over 75 customer service centers statewide. Many transactions can be completed online or by mail including registration renewals and address changes. Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit with proof of identity documents. Schedule appointments online at dmv.virginia.gov to reduce wait times. Some locations offer Saturday hours for added convenience.

804-497-7100 · 75+ customer service centers across Virginia · Varies by location; many Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, some Sat · Visit Website

8. Fairfax Connector — Paid

County bus system serving Fairfax County with fixed routes and connections to Metrorail stations across Northern Virginia. Reduced fares available for seniors, people with disabilities, and qualifying youth. Day passes and monthly passes available. The Fairfax Connector supplements Metrobus and Metrorail with more localized service within Fairfax County. Call 703-339-7200 or visit fairfaxcounty.gov/connector for route maps, schedules, fare information, and paratransit eligibility.

703-339-7200 · Fairfax County, VA · Service hours vary · Visit Website

9. ART – Arlington Transit — Paid

Local bus service in Arlington County providing fixed routes and connections to Metrorail and Metrobus throughout the county. ART buses run during peak and off-peak hours on weekdays and some weekend service is available on select routes. SmarTrip cards accepted with free transfers to Metro. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 703-228-7433 or visit arlingtontransit.com for route maps, schedules, and fare information within Arlington County.

703-228-7433 · Arlington, VA · Service hours vary · Visit Website

10. Lynchburg Transit (GLTC) — Paid

Public bus system for the Lynchburg area operated by the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company with fixed routes connecting neighborhoods, downtown, local colleges, and commercial areas. Paratransit service is available for qualifying passengers with disabilities. Reduced fares for seniors and people with disabilities. Monthly passes available. Call 434-455-5080 or visit gltconline.com for route maps, schedules, and fare information. Service runs Monday through Saturday on most routes.

434-455-5080 · 800 Clay St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 · Mon-Sat · Visit Website

11. Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) — Paid

Public bus system serving Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford County with local routes connecting neighborhoods and employment centers plus commuter service connecting to the VRE train station. Paratransit service is available for qualifying passengers. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 540-372-1222 for route and schedule information. Service runs Monday through Saturday with limited Sunday service on select routes in the Fredericksburg area.

540-372-1222 · 1400 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 · Mon-Sat

12. DAV Hospital Shuttle – Virginia VA Centers — Free

Free shuttle rides to VA medical centers across Virginia provided by Disabled American Veterans volunteer drivers. The DAV Transportation Network helps veterans who cannot drive or cannot afford transportation get to their VA medical appointments. Service is available at VA medical centers including Richmond, Salem, Hampton, and others. Call the DAV national number at 877-426-2838 or contact your nearest VA medical center to inquire about scheduled shuttle routes and how to sign up for a ride.

877-426-2838 · Routes to VA hospitals · Scheduled runs · Visit Website

13. Virginia DRPT – Transit Programs — Free

State office coordinating transit funding, rural transportation programs, and intercity bus services across Virginia. DRPT administers federal and state transit grants to local transit agencies and funds programs for rural and underserved communities. The office also manages ride-sharing, vanpool incentives, and the Virginia Breeze intercity bus service. Visit the DRPT website to find rural transit providers and programs available in your part of Virginia and access transit planning resources.

804-786-4440 · 600 E Main St, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Virginia Breeze Intercity Bus — Paid

DRPT-funded intercity bus service connecting rural and small-town Virginia communities to Washington DC, Blacksburg, Bristol, and other major destinations at affordable fares. Virginia Breeze serves communities along several corridors that lack other intercity transit options. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at boarding. Call 844-487-3399 or visit virginiabreeze.org for schedules, routes, fares, and online booking. Great option for traveling between Virginia cities without a car.

844-487-3399 · Multiple Virginia routes · Service days vary · Visit Website

15. Commute!VA – Rideshare/Vanpool — Free

Free commute assistance for Virginia workers including carpool and vanpool matching, a guaranteed emergency ride home program, and information about transit options for your commute. Commute!VA is funded through regional transportation authorities and is available to workers across Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and other areas. Register online to find carpool partners, explore vanpool options, and access the guaranteed ride home benefit when commuting without a personal vehicle.

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.