Ben Franklin Transit (Tri-Cities)

Transportation · Washington · Paid

Public transit serving the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) with fixed-route bus, paratransit (TRANSIT PLUS), and vanpool services. Dads can plan trips using the Trip Planner at bft.org or pick up route maps at major transit stops. Fares are low; monthly passes available. Paratransit service is available for eligible riders with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. Call 509-735-5100 for route and schedule information, vanpool program details, or paratransit eligibility. Located at 1000 Columbia Park Trail, Richland.

Contact & Details

Address: 1000 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352

Phone: 509-735-5100

Hours: Mon-Sat service hours vary

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 Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

More Transportation in Washington

  • King County Metro Transit (Seattle) — Seattle's public transit system operating 175+ bus routes, RapidRide BRT corridors, and water taxi services across King County. Dads can pla
  • Sound Transit (Puget Sound Region) — Regional transit authority operating Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, and ST Express buses connecting Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Belle
  • Pierce Transit (Tacoma) — Tacoma's public transit system providing fixed-route bus, paratransit (SHUTTLE), and vanpool services across Pierce County. Dads can plan tr
  • Spokane Transit Authority (STA) — Spokane's public transit system operating fixed-route buses, paratransit (PARATRANSIT), and the Central City Line BRT across the Spokane met
  • C-TRAN (Clark County/Vancouver) — Clark County's public transit system providing fixed-route bus, paratransit, and express service to Portland from the Vancouver, WA area. Da
  • Community Transit (Snohomish County) — Snohomish County's public transit system with local and commuter bus routes, Swift BRT rapid transit, and paratransit (DART) connecting Ever

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.