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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) — Paid

Milwaukee's public transit system operating 50+ bus routes, express freeway flyers, and Transit Plus paratransit across Milwaukee County. Fathers can ride fixed-route buses with cash fare, MCTS M Card, or mobile ticket. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Apply for reduced fare ID online or at the main office. Check ridemcts.com for route maps, schedules, and real-time arrival information.

414-344-6711 · 1942 N 17th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

2. Metro Transit (Madison) — Paid

Madison's public bus system providing 50+ fixed routes and Metro Plus paratransit across Dane County. Fathers can ride with cash fare or the Metro mobile app. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Apply for reduced fare ID at the Madison Transit Center. Check cityofmadison.com/metro for route maps, schedules, and real-time arrival information. Transfers included with fare; Sunday and holiday service varies.

608-266-4466 · 1101 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

3. Green Bay Metro Transit — Paid

Green Bay's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service and paratransit across the Green Bay metro area. Fathers can ride with cash fare, mobile ticket, or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check greenbaywi.gov for route maps, schedules, and real-time arrival information. Transfers included with fare; Sunday service may be limited.

920-448-3450 · 901 University Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

4. Racine Transit (The Bus) — Paid

Racine's public transit system operating fixed-route bus and paratransit services within the city of Racine and some surrounding areas. Fathers can ride with cash fare or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check the City of Racine website for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Sunday service may be limited.

262-637-9000 · 3100 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53405 · Service hours vary

5. Wisconsin DMV — Paid

Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles handling driver's licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, title transfers, CDLs, and driver's license reinstatement at offices across the state. Fathers can book appointments online at wisconsindot.gov for faster service. Many transactions available online or by mail. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of WI residency, and required fees. Check the DOT website for the specific documents required for each transaction type.

608-264-7447 · Offices across Wisconsin · Varies; many Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Kenosha Area Transit (KAT) — Paid

Kenosha's public transit system providing fixed-route bus service and Care-A-Van paratransit in Kenosha County. Fathers can ride with cash fare or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check the Kenosha city website for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Sunday service may be limited or unavailable.

262-653-4287 · 4303 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144 · Service hours vary by route · Visit Website

7. Appleton Transit (Valley Transit) — Paid

Public transit serving the Fox Cities including Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, Neenah, and surrounding communities with fixed routes, dial-a-ride, and paratransit. Fathers can ride with cash fare, mobile ticket, or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Check appleton.org/valleytransit for route maps, schedules, and real-time arrival information. Transfers included with fare; Sunday service may be limited.

920-832-5800 · 801 S Whitman Ave, Appleton, WI 54914 · Mon-Sat (varies by route) · Visit Website

8. Oshkosh GO Transit — Paid

Public transit serving Oshkosh with fixed-route bus and paratransit services across the city. Fathers can ride with cash fare or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check the City of Oshkosh website for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Saturday and Sunday service may be limited or unavailable.

920-236-5080 · 926 Dempsey Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54902 · Mon-Sat (varies by route)

9. Eau Claire Transit — Paid

Public bus system serving Eau Claire with fixed routes and paratransit across the city and surrounding area. Fathers can ride with cash fare or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check eauclairewi.gov for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Saturday service runs, Sunday service may be limited or unavailable.

715-839-5110 · 333 Fulton St, Eau Claire, WI 54703 · Mon-Sat (varies by route) · Visit Website

10. La Crosse Municipal Transit (MTU) — Paid

Public transit serving the La Crosse area with fixed-route bus and paratransit services across the city. Fathers can ride with cash fare, mobile ticket, or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check cityoflacrosse.org for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Saturday service runs with limited Sunday options.

608-789-7350 · 1515 Gillette St, La Crosse, WI 54603 · Mon-Sat (varies by route) · Visit Website

11. Janesville Transit System (JTS) — Paid

Public transit serving Janesville and Beloit with fixed-route bus and demand-response paratransit services. Fathers can ride with cash fare or multi-ride passes. Reduced fares available for qualifying seniors, students, and people with disabilities - apply at the transit office for a reduced-fare ID. Check the Janesville city website for route maps, schedules, and service hours. Transfers included with fare; Saturday and Sunday service may be limited or unavailable.

608-755-3140 · 18 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548 · Mon-Fri (varies by route)

12. Amtrak - Hiawatha Service (Milwaukee-Chicago) — Paid

Frequent daily Amtrak Hiawatha passenger rail service connecting Milwaukee to Chicago with intermediate stops at Milwaukee Airport and Sturtevant. Fathers can book tickets online at amtrak.com, at the station, or by phone. Reserved seating with reduced fares for children, seniors, students, and veterans. Bring photo ID for ticket purchase and travel. Check amtrak.com for current schedules, fare specials, and any service alerts before traveling, especially during bad weather.

1-800-872-7245 · 433 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 · Multiple daily departures

13. Lamers Bus Lines (Statewide) — Paid

Wisconsin-based intercity bus company providing scheduled coach service connecting Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and other Wisconsin cities plus charter and tour services. Fathers can book tickets online, by phone, or at major stops. Reduced fares for children and seniors on some routes. Bring photo ID for ticketing. Check lamers.com for current schedules, routes, and fare information. Luggage policies and reservation requirements vary by route; read the terms before booking.

800-261-6600 · 2407 S Point Rd, Green Bay, WI 54313 · Varies by route · Visit Website

14. Wisconsin DOT - Rideshare & Vanpool — Free

State Department of Transportation-coordinated rideshare matching and vanpool programs helping Wisconsin commuters save on transportation costs by sharing rides with nearby coworkers. Fathers with regular commutes can sign up online to find matches or join existing vanpools. Serves the entire state. Available online 24/7 with no cost to participate in the matching service. Vanpool costs are shared among participants; check current program details for pricing and coverage.

608-266-1113 · Online 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.