Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in South Carolina

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub for getting rides, bus passes, gas help, car repairs, and legal fixes that keep you moving in South Carolina. You’ll find direct phone numbers, timelines, documents to bring, and plan‑B options in every section. For emergency medical rides, benefits appointments, court deadlines, or job shifts, act on the first section right now.

South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) are the main state agencies you’ll use. Save SC 2‑1‑1 in your phone for fast referrals, and check the transit tables for links to local bus systems, regional RTAs, and vanpools.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call Medicaid rides now: If you or your child has Healthy Connections Medicaid, book a Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) ride with Modivcare at the regional number in the NEMT table below, or call DHHS member help at 1‑888‑549‑0820. Keep your member ID, pickup address, and appointment time ready. (scdhhs.gov)
• Get a same‑day bus solution: Use the customer service phone for your city’s bus system like The COMET, CARTA, or Greenlink to confirm routes, paratransit, or fare discounts today, and check digital pass options (Transit, Token Transit, Umo). (catchthecometsc.gov)
• Stop a license suspension today: Use the SCDMV payment plan if you owe $200+inreinstatementfees;paya10$40 admin fee to get a 12‑month license while you make payments. Call 1‑803‑896‑5000 or visit a branch. (scdmvonline.com)

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Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

• Medicaid Member Help: Call Healthy Connections Medicaid at 1‑888‑549‑0820 for eligibility, ID cards, and ride support; or use Healthy Connections Choices enrollment help at 1‑877‑552‑4642 (TTY 1‑877‑552‑4670). (scdhhs.sc.gov)
• South Carolina 2‑1‑1: Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑866‑892‑9211 for gas cards, repair programs, and bus pass help in your county; text your ZIP to 898‑211 for chat support. (unitedwayhorry.org)
• SC Works job rides and supportive services: Find your local SC Works Center and ask about WIOA supportive transportation; bring your ID and last 6 months of income if you can. For Midlands, call SC Works Midlands at 1‑803‑978‑0190. (scworks.org)
• Charleston‑area buses: Customer service for CARTA is 1‑843‑724‑7420; rural TriCounty Link is 1‑843‑899‑4096 or 1‑800‑966‑6631. (ridecarta.com)
• Upstate buses: Greenlink Greenville dispatch 1‑864‑467‑5000; SPARTA Spartanburg 1‑864‑562‑4287; Coast RTA Myrtle Beach 1‑843‑488‑0865. (greenvillesc.gov)

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How to Get Free Medicaid Rides in South Carolina Today

When you or your child has a medical appointment, book Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) through Medicaid first. It covers doctor visits, dialysis, X‑rays, labs, and pharmacy trips if the care is covered. Call the number for your county in the table below at least 3 business days ahead for routine rides; call for urgent discharge or next‑day add‑ons. Use your Healthy Connections Medicaid ID. (scdhhs.gov)

• Eligibility: You must be a Healthy Connections Medicaid member and your appointment must be medically necessary. Most managed care plans route rides through Modivcare. Keep your member ID, pickup address, and provider info ready. (scdhhs.gov)
• Booking window: Routine rides generally need 2–3 business days notice; same‑day is only for urgent or hospital discharge trips that the broker verifies with your clinic. If your plan shows a rides app, set up alerts. (carolinacompletehealth.com)
• Cancel: If plans change, cancel at least 24 hours before pickup to avoid a “no‑show” warning that can pause future rides. (scdhhs.gov)

Medicaid NEMT phone numbers by county

Below are the current statewide reservation lines for Modivcare. Pick your region by county and call the matching number during business hours to schedule. Save your confirmation number. (scdhhs.gov)

• Typical timelines: Expect confirmation during the call; pickup windows are usually 30 minutes before and after the time given; wait times can be longer during peak hours. Plan for 30–60 minutes of buffer time if you must clock in at work right after. (scdhhs.gov)
• If you use a managed care plan: Many plans still use Modivcare; check your member handbook or call plan Member Services if you get told to schedule elsewhere. Humana Medicaid SC and other plans point you back to Modivcare for non‑emergency rides for covered services. (humana.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a driver misses you or a line is busy, call the same number back and ask for “Ride Assist” or a supervisor; then call Healthy Connections Medicaid at 1‑888‑549‑0820 to file a complaint if needed. Keep times, names, and trip IDs. If you can drive yourself, ask about mileage reimbursement forms. For non‑medical rides, jump to local transit and vanpool sections, or call SC 2‑1‑1 for emergency bus passes or gas help. (scdhhs.gov)

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Same‑Day Local Bus Fixes You Can Use Right Now

Your fastest non‑medical ride is often your city bus plus a low‑cost day pass. Use each agency’s trip planner app, call customer service, or buy a mobile ticket from your phone. For paratransit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), call the paratransit line to request an application and book rides inside the service area.

• In the Midlands, The COMET in Richland/Lexington offers $2.00one‑wayfullfare,$4 all‑day, and $40monthly31‑daypasses;SodaCapdowntownconnectoris$1.00. Call 1‑803‑255‑7100 for routes and DART paratransit. (catchthecometsc.gov)
• In Charleston, CARTA sells $7daypasses,$57 31‑day passes; customer service 1‑843‑724‑7420; downtown DASH shuttles are free. Use the Transit app or Token Transit for mobile passes. (ridecarta.com)
• In Greenville, Greenlink fares are $1.50one‑way,$5 day pass, $50 monthly (discounts for youth/seniors/disability); dispatch 1‑864‑467‑5000. Paratransit info at 1‑864‑467‑2759 (TTY 1‑800‑735‑2905). (ridegreenlink.com)
• In Spartanburg, SPARTA lists $2.50day,$11.25 five‑day, $37.50 monthly; information line 1‑864‑562‑4287; paratransit scheduling is 1‑864‑560‑4118. (cityofspartanburg.org)
• On the Grand Strand, Coast RTA customer service is 1‑843‑488‑0865; check routes for Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Georgetown; some entertainment shuttles are seasonal and free. (coastrta.com)
• In the Pee Dee, PDRTA serves Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, Chesterfield; many rural routes are free; main line 1‑843‑665‑2227. (pdrta.org)
• In Aiken/North Augusta, Best Friend Express runs fixed routes; $2one‑way,withDial‑A‑Rideat$3; mobility info at 1‑803‑648‑5447 ext. 2340; Medicaid rides via Modivcare Region 2. (aikensenior.org)
• In Rock Hill, My Ride Rock Hill is fare‑free; hours Mon‑Fri 7am‑7pm, Sat 9am‑5pm; call 1‑803‑329‑RIDE (7433). ADA paratransit (My Ride Direct) is also fare‑free via York County Access at 1‑803‑327‑6694 ext. 2. (myriderockhill.com)

Quick table — major South Carolina transit contacts and fares

Use the links to confirm the latest hours and passes before you ride.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If buses don’t reach your work shift or childcare, ask about vanpools or job van routes. In the Midlands, The COMET Vanpool subsidizes $500/month per van with Commute with Enterprise; in Charleston’s rural areas, TriCounty Link and BCDCOG’s Lowcountry Go Vanpool can help form shared rides; in the Upstate, ask SC Works and employers about United Way/Enterprise vanpools. (catchthecometsc.gov)

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Gas Cards, Car Repair Help, and Vanpools

If buses don’t cover your route or your car is down, layer short‑term gas/repair help with longer‑term commute options.

• Gas and bus passes: Call SC 2‑1‑1 and ask for organizations offering gas cards or bus books in your ZIP; many faith and community groups purchase small denominations. Some agencies will buy bus passes directly for job starts; ask SC Works if they can use supportive services for passes while you job search. Use your city’s app like Transit, Token Transit, or Umo/TouchPass for fast mobile passes. (scworks.org)
• Low‑cost car repair (Richland/Lexington): Automotive Service Assistance provides sliding‑scale repairs for residents in Richland and Lexington; apply online and they pay the shop directly. Use email if phones are busy. See their program page and Midlands Gives info to confirm current intake. (autoserviceassist.org)
• Greenville emergency help: United Ministries (Greenville) runs Emergency Assistance by application windows (Mondays at 8:30am or as posted); they sometimes help with transportation, gas cards, or car‑related needs tied to work stability. See application process and contact updates. (united-ministries.org)
• Donate/receive cars: If you can donate a vehicle (or seek a donated one), check Goodwill Upstate/Midlands vehicle donations or charity programs like Wheels for Wishes. Always verify title transfer steps with SCDMV. (goodwillsc.org)
• Vanpools: For steady job commutes, vanpools cut the cost of gas/parking and are more reliable than asking for rides every shift. Start with The COMET Vanpool $500/month subsidy, talk to BCDCOG/Lowcountry Go Vanpool, and ask your HR if they cover pre‑tax transit. (catchthecometsc.gov)

Reality check: Gas cards are small and limited, and repair funds are often wait‑listed. Expect 1–2 weeks for repair help decisions when funds are open. Call to confirm availability before applying, bring a written estimate, and keep proof that a working car makes or keeps your job. Use bus/vanpool stopgaps while you wait. SC 2‑1‑1, SC Works, and your local transit apps can bridge the gap.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your employer about temporary schedule changes so you can ride available routes; join or form a vanpool with nearby coworkers; and ask your clinic, WIC office, or school social worker about Lyft partnership rides or campus shuttles. Re‑apply with the repair charity if you were missing a document the first time.

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How to Stop a South Carolina License Suspension Today

If fees are the only thing between you and a license, use SCDMV’s 12‑month reinstatement payment plan to get legal and drive to work or school while you pay the balance.

• Who qualifies: South Carolina residents 18+, owing $200+ in reinstatement fees with no other pending suspensions, who have met all other reinstatement conditions. You must not have used the plan in the last 24 months. (scdmvonline.com)
• How it works: Pay a 10% deposit plus a **$40adminfee\ast \ast ,signtheplan,andtakeanyrequiredtests.Yougeta12‑monthdriver’slicensewhileyoupayatleast$20 per installment until the balance is cleared. Your final payment must be in person before you switch back to a regular license. (scdmvonline.com)
• Important updates: As of May 19, 2024, clearing DUI‑related suspensions requires an Ignition Interlock Device; questions go to SC DPPPS IID Program at 1‑803‑734‑0019. Call SCDMV at 1‑803‑896‑5000 for case‑specific questions. (scdmvonline.com)
• Avoid scams: SCDMV does not text to collect tickets or tolls. Ignore SMS claiming you owe “turnpike” fees; pay only at SCDMV or contact the toll agency directly if you actually used a toll facility. (scdmvonline.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you have non‑fee issues (court fines, SR‑22, IID, or out‑of‑state holds), call SCDMV and your court. Ask Legal Aid or a re‑entry program if fee waivers or community service credits exist where your ticket was issued.

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Job‑Linked Transportation Support: SC Works and SNAP E&T

These are two under‑used ride funding sources for job seekers and new hires.

• SC Works (WIOA) supportive services: Local SC Works areas can help with bus passes, gas, and sometimes car repairs for eligible jobseekers in approved activities. Limits vary by region and funding. Bring ID, proof of address, and recent income; find your nearest center via SC Works or call a local center like SC Works Midlands. Expect 7–14 days for approval when funds are open. (scworks.org)
• SNAP Employment & Training (E&T): If you receive SNAP and join E&T activities, the state can reimburse **up to $150permonth\ast \ast fortransportationduringparticipation;othersupportcaninclude$150 per year for equipment and limited rent help. Ask DSS about E&T enrollment and how reimbursements are paid (card, check, bus tickets). (wioaplans.ed.gov)
• TANF/Family Independence: If you’re on DSS Family Independence, talk to your caseworker about transportation while in training and job placements, and use the DSS Benefits Portal for contact options. Program stipends are modest; use them with bus discounts and vanpools. (dss.sc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If one center is out of funding, ask for a written denial and try neighboring counties. Keep bus receipts and mileage logs for retroactive reimbursement where allowed.

Table — work‑linked ride support you can request

(wioaplans.ed.gov)

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County‑Specific Variations That Matter

Some places have unique fares, free routes, or special connectors. Use these local notes to save money.

• Columbia/Richland‑Lexington: The COMET has $40monthlypassesanda$1 Soda Cap connector downtown; transfers are free within 60 minutes. Vanpools get a $500 monthly subsidy; ask about employer bulk pass discounts. (catchthecometsc.gov)
• Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester: CARTA sells $57monthlypasses;studentsandseniorscangetdiscounts;[\ast TriCountyLink\ast ](https://ridetricountylink.com/fares-passes/)servesruralareaswith$2.25 one‑way and ADA deviated service options, and sometimes promotional “seniors ride free” days. (ridecarta.com)
• Greenville: Greenlink offers $50 monthly with Umo card/app and half‑fare discounts; call dispatch at 1‑864‑467‑5000 if your bus is late. Paratransit line is 1‑864‑467‑2759 (TTY 1‑800‑735‑2905). (greenvillesc.gov)
• Spartanburg: SPARTA day passes are $2.50withmonthly$37.50; paratransit reservations go through Transportation Service Bureau at 1‑864‑560‑4118 after getting your rider ID at the Passenger Center. (cityofspartanburg.org)
• Myrtle Beach/Conway/Georgetown: Coast RTA runs fixed routes seven days most of the year and seasonal free entertainment shuttles; call 1‑843‑488‑0865 for paratransit application. (coastrta.com)
• Pee Dee: PDRTA covers six counties; many county routes are free, and Florence city routes charge small fares; main line is 1‑843‑665‑2227. (pdrta.org)
• Aiken/North Augusta: Best Friend Express is $2perrideandconnectstoAugusta;Dial‑A‑Rideis$3 and ADA‑eligible. (aikensenior.org)
• Rock Hill (York County): My Ride Rock Hill is fare‑free; ADA paratransit is also free through York County Access. Use bus SMS 803‑489‑8747 for stop times. (myriderockhill.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your county has no fixed‑route bus, look for “Demand Response,” Dial‑A‑Ride, or connector services on your county site, ask your Council of Governments transit planner, or call SC 2‑1‑1 to locate rural options.

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How to Book ADA Paratransit and Get Approved Faster

If a disability makes fixed‑route buses hard to use, you may qualify for ADA paratransit. This is curb‑to‑curb shared rides within 3/4 mile of a bus route, at similar hours, often twice the fixed‑route fare.

• Apply: Request the ADA paratransit application from your transit agency (e.g., CARTA Tel‑A‑Ride, Greenlink Paratransit, SPARTA Paratransit). Your provider may need your clinician to complete part of it. (ridecarta.com)
• Fares: Examples include The COMET DART $4one‑way;[\ast SanteeWatereeRTAADA\ast ](https://www.swrta.com/ada)$2 each way in covered cities. Carry your ADA ID card once approved. (catchthecometsc.gov)
• Hours: ADA paratransit mirrors fixed‑route hours in the service area; book 1–2 days ahead. For ADA outside your city, check regional RTAs like PDRTA or Coast RTA. (pdrta.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re denied, appeal on time and request temporary (visitor) eligibility if you’re traveling. In the meantime, ask about demand response options or reduced fixed‑route fares.

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Child Safety Seats and Free Install Checks

You can get your seat checked free by a certified technician and learn SC’s child passenger laws. This is important if you rely on friends or rideshares.

• Where to go: Use the state’s Child Passenger Safety Program to find an inspection location; or contact the statewide Safe Kids South Carolina coalition hosted at DPH. For law summaries and “Find the Right Seat,” see Buckle Up SC. (dph.sc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your local fire department or hospital educator if they host check events; call SC 2‑1‑1 to locate voucher programs run by nonprofits.

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Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Contacts

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Check if your city bus offers name updates on ADA IDs or discount cards without hassles. For Charleston advocacy and referrals, contact Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA) and use CARTA or TriCounty Link to reach clinics. For state benefits access without discrimination, call Healthy Connections Medicaid member help for care coordination and rides.
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask your pediatrician to note mobility needs on ADA applications. Use Greenlink Paratransit or CARTA Tel‑A‑Ride for curb‑to‑curb rides to therapy; if you have Medicaid, book NEMT through Modivcare. For rehab‑to‑work transportation planning, contact SC Vocational Rehabilitation through a nearby SC Works center. (scdhhs.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Use the VA clinic’s travel office for authorized travel pay; for non‑VA local rides, pair CARTA or The COMET with vanpools. If you have a DUI ignition‑interlock requirement affecting work, call SC DPPPS IID and your VA social worker for help coordinating. (dppps.sc.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask for language access at agencies and transit call centers; CARTA, Coast RTA, and DHHS use interpreter lines. Connect with resettlement groups (like Catholic Charities SC) for city bus passes during first months; use SC 2‑1‑1 to find local ESL rides or car seat help.
• Tribal‑specific resources: The Catawba Indian Nation (Rock Hill area) can connect members with local services and transport referrals; use My Ride Rock Hill fare‑free buses and York County Access for paratransit or essential trips.
• Rural single moms: Call your Regional Transportation Authority (like PDRTA, SWRTA, TriCounty Link, Palmetto Breeze) for flag‑stop, deviation, or demand‑response service; combine with Medicaid NEMT for clinics and SC Works for job‑linked gas passes. (swrta.com)
• Single fathers (heads of household): All programs in this guide are gender‑neutral; eligibility depends on income, disability, or benefits status. Use DSS, SC Works, and your local transit just like any other caregiver.
• Language access and accessibility notes: Ask agencies to mail large‑print ADA or Medicaid ride forms; request TTY or relay services if needed (e.g., Greenlink lists TTY 1‑800‑735‑2905). Most transit and state hotlines can add interpreters on the call; ask for your language up front. (greenvillesc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to the agency’s ADA or Title VI coordinator listed on your transit or state website; file a language access or disability accommodation complaint if you’re blocked from services.

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Resources by Region — Who to Call First

Each entry lists a fast starting point for rides plus backup options.

• Midlands (Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, Sumter, Calhoun, Orangeburg): Start with The COMET 1‑803‑255‑7100; for job rides call SC Works Midlands 1‑803‑978‑0190; for Medicaid NEMT call your Region 2 number in the table above. Use Fairfield County Transit for local routes and SWRTA for Sumter/Orangeburg routes. (catchthecometsc.gov)
• Lowcountry (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester): Start with CARTA 1‑843‑724‑7420; rural riders call TriCounty Link 1‑843‑899‑4096; check BCDCOG vanpools to split commutes. Medicaid riders use Region 3 NEMT. (ridecarta.com)
• Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Cherokee, Oconee, Pickens, Laurens): Start with Greenlink 1‑864‑467‑5000; SPARTA 1‑864‑562‑4287; Electric City Transit 1‑864‑231‑7625; check United Way/Enterprise vanpools. Medicaid riders use Region 1 NEMT. (greenvillesc.gov)
• Grand Strand (Horry, Georgetown): Start with Coast RTA 1‑843‑488‑0865; use the ride tracker app; ask about seasonal free shuttles. Medicaid riders use Region 3 NEMT. (coastrta.com)
• Pee Dee (Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marlboro, Marion, Chesterfield): Start with PDRTA 1‑843‑665‑2227; many rural routes are free; use ADA paratransit if eligible. Medicaid riders use Region 3 NEMT. (pdrta.org)
• Aiken/Barnwell/Allendale/Bamberg/Calhoun/Orangeburg: Start with Best Friend Express 1‑803‑648‑5447 ext. 2340 and Cross County Connection (Orangeburg/Calhoun) 1‑803‑531‑1302; Medicaid riders use Region 2 NEMT. (aikensenior.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact your Council of Governments or Metropolitan Planning Organization transit page (listed on your county site) to locate small providers and deviated‑route services; use SC 2‑1‑1 for after‑hours guidance.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the day of: Medicaid NEMT rides usually need 2–3 business days lead time. Book as soon as you get your clinic text or appointment card. Use Modivcare phone lines or ask the clinic to help schedule. (scdhhs.gov)
• Missing documents: For SC Works or SNAP E&T ride help, lack of ID or income proof slows approvals. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, and pay stubs or benefits letter to SC Works and keep scans in your phone.
• Not checking route changes: Transit routes change quarterly or seasonally. Confirm current routes and fares on The COMET, CARTA, or your local agency site the day before you go. (catchthecometsc.gov)
• Ignoring payment plans: If you’re suspended, skipping the SCDMV payment plan can cost your job. Do it before a traffic stop adds more fines. (scdmvonline.com)

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Reality Check — What Can Slow You Down

Funding runs out, paratransit seats fill up, drivers get behind, and some repair programs pause intake. Expect 10–15 business days for most non‑crisis approvals (SC Works, SNAP E&T). For Medicaid NEMT, expect 30‑minute pickup windows and confirm the night before. When in doubt, call to verify what’s active this weekSC 2‑1‑1*](https://www.sc211.org/), ask your SC Works case manager, and keep backup bus or vanpool plans ready.

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Application Checklist — Screenshot/Print Friendly

• Photo ID (SC driver’s license or state ID) — for SC Works, transit IDs, and paratransit.
• Benefits card or case number — Healthy Connections Medicaid or SNAP for rides and reimbursements.
• Appointment proof — clinic text, MyChart, or appointment letter for NEMT/Modivcare.
• Income proof — last pay stub(s) or benefits letter for SC Works WIOA or SNAP E&T.
• Paratransit forms — your completed ADA application and clinician section for CARTA Tel‑A‑Ride, Greenlink, or your local agency.
• Car repair estimate — written shop estimate for Automotive Service Assistance or local charity review.

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Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

Make it quick and clean. Ask for the denial reason in writing and what to fix.

• Medicaid NEMT: Ask Modivcare supervisor or DHHS member help to log a complaint if your ride was wrongly denied; rebook and request a “will‑call” return if appointment end time is unknown.
• Paratransit: Appeal within the deadline on your letter; send updated clinician notes. While pending, ask for temporary or demand‑response rides (e.g., SWRTA demand response).
• SC Works/WIOA: If funds are out, request referral to neighboring areas and ask about bus pass donations or employer vanpools. Keep receipts for potential retroactive support.
• SNAP E&T: Reapply when you have an assigned activity; keep mileage logs and bus receipts for the month you participated. Use DSS contacts to check reimbursement status.

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

Beyond government programs, be persistent with local nonprofits. Ask for transportation specifically tied to job starts, school, or medical needs.

• United Way/2‑1‑1: Use SC 2‑1‑1 or area United Way pages (e.g., York County, Florence County) for current gas/bus partners, small car funds, and volunteer driver programs.
• Automotive Service Assistance (Richland/Lexington): Sliding‑fee car repairs; limited monthly slots; apply online at autoserviceassist.org.
• United Ministries (Greenville): Emergency Assistance with set intake times; sometimes transportation help connected to work stability; see application details.
• Palmetto Breeze (Lowcountry): Community circulators and downtown shuttles; contact Palmetto Breeze 1‑843‑757‑5782 for routes and ADA Easy Breeze.
• Faith‑based help: Ask your local church network via SC 2‑1‑1 for gas cards, ride ministries, or emergency bus books; seek programs that require proof of job start or medical appointment.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Keep calling weekly; charity funds refresh monthly or quarterly. Ask to be placed on a call‑back list when funds reopen.

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Question‑Based Guides for Priority Problems

How to Get Medicaid Transportation in South Carolina Today

Call your regional Modivcare number (see table above) with your Medicaid ID, provider name, and appointment time; book 2–3 business days ahead. For next‑day discharge or urgent appointment, ask for “urgent” and have your clinic confirm. If you use a plan like Humana Medicaid, you’ll still schedule through Modivcare for covered care.

How to Get a Same‑Day Bus Pass in Columbia, Charleston, or Greenville

Go to the transit center or buy in your phone app: The COMET $4day,[\ast CARTA\ast ](https://ridecarta.com/fares-passes/)$7 day, Greenlink $5 day. If you’re short on cash, ask SC Works or SC 2‑1‑1 for same‑day pass help tied to a job interview.

How to Stop a Driver’s License Suspension in South Carolina Today

Check eligibility and enroll in the SCDMV payment plan online or at a branch: 10% deposit + $40 admin fee = 12‑month license while you pay. Keep every receipt. For DUI‑related reinstatements, contact SC DPPPS Ignition Interlock.

How to Book ADA Paratransit Without Delays

Ask your agency’s ADA office for the form: CARTA, Greenlink, SPARTA. Send both parts (you and your clinician) and request temporary eligibility if you have a time‑sensitive treatment plan.

How to Get Rural Transportation to Work

Ask your RTA for deviated‑route or demand‑response pickups: TriCounty Link, PDRTA, SWRTA, Palmetto Breeze. If hours don’t match your shift, ask about vanpools or employer shuttles.

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Tables You Can Use When You’re Short on Time

Medicaid NEMT — What to Say on the Phone

Use DHHS FAQs if anything is unclear.

Low‑Cost Fares Snapshot

Check your agency’s fare page the day you ride: COMET, CARTA, Greenlink.

Rural RTAs and Contacts

Work‑Linked Help (Bring These to the Appointment)

Paratransit Examples (confirm locally)

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FAQs — South Carolina Transportation Help for Single Moms

1. How do I get a ride to my child’s doctor if I don’t have a car?
   Book Medicaid NEMT through Modivcare at your region’s number; have your member ID and appointment details ready; or call DHHS at 1‑888‑549‑0820 if you’re unsure which line to use. If you are not on Medicaid, ask SC 2‑1‑1 about local volunteer driver programs or clinic ride partnerships.
2. Can SNAP help with bus passes to get to a training or new job?
   Yes, if you’re in SNAP E&T, the state may reimburse up to $150/month for transportation during participation; ask your DSS E&T contact how they pay (card, check, bus books). Pair this with SC Works help if you’re also enrolled there.
3. My bus doesn’t run late enough for my shift. What’s realistic?
   Form a vanpool through your employer or with The COMET Vanpool ($500/month subsidy) or Lowcountry Go Vanpool; ask SC Works if supportive services can help with your share.
4. How long will a car repair charity take to decide?
   Plan for 1–2 weeks once you submit paperwork; funds open and close as donations come in. For Richland/Lexington, see Automotive Service Assistance. For Greenville, see United Ministries. Use bus or carpool backups while you wait.
5. Can I stop a license suspension if I can’t pay everything at once?
   Yes. If you owe $200+, enroll in the SCDMV reinstatement payment plan for a 12‑month license while you pay. Start at SCDMV’s eligibility page or call 1‑803‑896‑5000. DUI/DUAC suspensions may require ignition interlock—ask SC DPPPS IID.
6. Is Rock Hill’s bus really free?
   Yes. My Ride Rock Hill is fare‑free; ADA paratransit via York County Access is also free for eligible riders. Use the app or text 803‑489‑8747 for times.
7. Where can I get my child’s car seat checked for free?
   Find an inspection site via the state Child Passenger Safety Program or contact Safe Kids South Carolina. For law summaries and seat chooser tools, see Buckle Up SC.
8. Are there truly free rural buses?
   Yes in some areas. PDRTA lists several county routes as free; others charge small fares. Always verify schedules in advance and ask about deviations that can get closer to your home.
9. My work injury requires frequent clinic trips. Can I get mileage money?
   If you’re in workers’ compensation, the employer’s representative must reimburse mileage over set distances; for 2025, the mileage rate is $0.70/mile. Submit mileage forms and receipts as directed by the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission.
10. Who can I call if every program says funds are out?
    Use SC 2‑1‑1 to locate alternatives (new churches/charities each month), ask SC Works about employer vanpools, and use your city’s transit mobile apps for the cheapest paid option until funds refresh.

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Spanish — Resumen rápido (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)

• Rutas médicas de Medicaid: Llame a Healthy Connections/Modivcare al número regional (ver tabla arriba) por lo menos 2–3 días hábiles antes; para urgencias, pida “urgent.”
• Autobuses locales: Revise tarifas y pases: The COMET, CARTA Charleston, Greenlink Greenville. Use las aplicaciones Transit/Token Transit/Umo.
• Ayuda para gasolina/reparaciones: Llame a SC 2‑1‑1 o a SC Works para pases y apoyo de transporte; en Columbia/Richland/Lexington vea Automotive Service Assistance.
• Licencia suspendida: Use el plan de pagos de SCDMV (12 meses) si debe $200+ en tarifas de restablecimiento.
• Paratránsito ADA: Solicite con su agencia local (CARTA, Greenlink); si tiene Medicaid, reserve NEMT.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (Medicaid)
• South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
• SC 2‑1‑1 / United Way Association of South Carolina
• The COMET, CARTA, Greenlink, PDRTA, Coast RTA
• SC Works / Department of Employment and Workforce

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This information is provided for general guidance in South Carolina and is not legal advice. Program rules and funding change often. Call to confirm current availability before applying. For emergencies, medical needs, or safety issues, call 9‑1‑1, your provider, or your county office directly.

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