Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
Rhode Island does not have one transportation grant for single mothers. Most help is connected to a specific trip. It may come from RIPTA bus fares, Medicaid medical transportation, RI Works monthly passes, disability paratransit, work programs, a school district, or a local Community Action agency.
Start by naming the trip you cannot make: medical care, work, training, child care, school, housing, court, or a benefits appointment. Then contact the program tied to that trip. Help may be a ride, Wave card, fare discount, mileage payment, or local referral instead of cash.
For statewide transportation ideas, use ASMOM’s transportation help guide. For other state programs, open the Rhode Island help page while you make calls.
This article gives general information. It does not promise a ride, pass, reimbursement, car, or approval.
If missing a ride could cause harm today
Medical emergency: Call 911. Medicaid non-emergency transportation is not an ambulance service.
Urgent covered medical care: Call MTM at 1-855-330-9131. Rhode Island allows urgent same-day trip requests 24 hours a day. Tell the clinic that transportation is the problem so staff know you may be late or need another appointment option.
School absence during unstable housing: Ask the school office for the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison. Eligible students may receive help staying enrolled and reaching the school of origin.
Another urgent need: Call Rhode Island 211. The service is free, confidential, open all day, and can search for ride options, food, shelter, child care, and other local help.
ASMOM’s Rhode Island emergency guide covers other urgent programs that may reduce the pressure on your transportation budget.
Where to start
I need regular bus rides
Check RIPTA routes and Wave fares. Wave is usually better than cash when you need transfers or several rides in one day.
I receive RI Works
Call MTM about the monthly bus pass for each eligible family member. Keep every Wave card number.
I need a medical ride
Call MTM with your Medicaid number, appointment address, date, time, and mobility needs.
I cannot use regular buses
Apply for RIde paratransit if a disability prevents you from using fixed-route service or reaching a bus stop.
Write down the trip date, destination, pickup address, number of children, mobility needs, and estimated fare. This makes it easier for a worker to match the request to a program.
Quick transportation help table
| Need | First place to try | What may be offered | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily bus travel | RIPTA Wave | Transfers and fare caps | Cash fares do not include transfers. |
| RI Works travel | MTM | Monthly Wave pass | You must request the pass and keep the card. |
| Covered medical care | MTM NEMT | Bus, mileage, car, van, or wheelchair ride | Routine trips need advance notice. |
| Disability prevents bus use | RIde | ADA paratransit or RIde Anywhere | Eligibility and reservations are required. |
| Work or training | RI Works, SNAP E&T, or DLT | Support tied to an approved plan | Get approval before paying. |
| School during homelessness | School liaison | Transportation to school | The district must review eligibility. |
| One-time local trip | 211 or Community Action | Referral, pass, gas card, or ride | Local funds are limited and change often. |
RIPTA buses, Wave, and reduced fares
RIPTA is Rhode Island’s statewide public bus system. The current RIPTA fare page lists a $2 cash fare for each boarding. Cash does not include a transfer.
A Wave full fare is also $2, but it includes one hour of unlimited rides. Wave caps spending at $6 in one day and $70 in a calendar month. Children younger than 5 ride free with an adult, with a limit of three children per adult.
The Wave guide explains the card and mobile app. Register the card when possible. Registration can protect the stored value if the card is lost.
Use Wave for multi-stop days
A child care drop-off, work trip, and return trip may require several boardings. Wave’s one-hour ride window and daily cap can cost less than paying cash each time.
Who gets reduced or free fares?
RIPTA’s no-fare program is not a general low-income pass. It is for qualifying Rhode Island residents who are low income and either age 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. The 2026 application uses a household income limit of 200% of the federal poverty level.
The reduced fare application lists accepted income, identity, age, and disability proof. People who are older or disabled but not low income may qualify for half fare during off-peak hours.
A parent who does not meet the age or disability rules should ask RI Works, a work program, 211, or Community Action about another pass source.
RI Works monthly bus passes
RI Works is Rhode Island’s TANF cash and employment program. The state says participants may receive child care, transportation, education, and other support connected to an employment plan.
The RI Works pass page says recipients use rechargeable RIPTA Wave cards. Each eligible person may have a card, and MTM recharges the cards monthly.
Call MTM at 1-855-330-9131. Tell the representative you receive RI Works and have the Wave card numbers ready. Ask which cards were loaded and when the value will appear.
Rhode Island transportation rules also state that TANF recipients are eligible for a monthly bus pass and must call the state’s transportation manager to request it. Do not throw away the card at the end of the month.
Use ASMOM’s Rhode Island TANF guide for the wider RI Works application, employment-plan, and appeal process.
Medicaid medical rides through MTM
Rhode Island Medicaid provides non-emergency medical transportation when a member needs to reach a Medicaid-covered service and does not have another reasonable transportation option. MTM manages the statewide service.
Use the EOHHS ride page or call MTM at 1-855-330-9131. TTY users can call 711.
How far ahead to call
MTM accepts routine scheduling calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Routine trips need at least 48 hours, meaning two full business days without weekends or holidays. Urgent same-day medical trip requests can be made 24 hours a day.
Types of transportation
The approved type depends on the member’s needs and the trip. Options can include public transit, mileage reimbursement for an approved driver, a car or rideshare, wheelchair van, stretcher, or another medically necessary service.
Mileage reimbursement must be approved before the trip. Tell MTM when an escort, wheelchair vehicle, car seat, or other assistance is needed.
If the ride is late
Call 1-855-330-9131 if the vehicle does not arrive or the return ride is missing. Keep the confirmation number, appointment time, vehicle information, and the name of the person who handled the call.
For Medicaid coverage questions, use ASMOM’s Rhode Island health guide.
RIde paratransit and disability transportation
RIde paratransit is for people whose disability prevents independent use of regular RIPTA buses or travel to and from a bus stop. Income alone does not qualify a rider.
Standard ADA paratransit operates within three-quarters of a mile of a fixed route during the same service hours. It is a shared, door-to-door service and costs $4 for each one-way trip.
Trips require advance reservations. RIPTA allows telephone reservations as late as the day before travel. App requests should be made at least two days ahead. Same-day RIde trips are not available.
Application and decision
Submit the full application and requested health-provider information. If RIPTA does not make a decision within 21 days after receiving a complete application, the applicant must be treated as eligible until a decision is made.
A person who disagrees with an eligibility denial or limitation has 60 days from the determination letter to request an appeal.
RIde Anywhere
RIde Anywhere expands door-to-door service statewide for qualified RIde passengers. Rhode Island made the program permanent in 2025. It has separate premium-service rules, so ask about fare and scheduling before booking.
Flex service
RIPTA Flex serves set zones and connects riders with the wider bus network. Many trips can be reserved 24 hours ahead. The fare is the same as regular fixed-route service.
Families supporting a child or adult with a disability can also use ASMOM’s disability help guide.
Transportation for work and training
RI Works employment plans
RI Works employment services can include transportation. Tell the employment counselor when bus schedules, child care drop-off, disability, safety, or a rural route makes participation difficult. Ask whether the need belongs in the written employment plan.
SNAP Employment and Training
SNAP E&T provides training, employment services, and supports for some SNAP recipients. Rhode Island lists transportation vouchers among possible supports. RI Works recipients are not eligible for SNAP E&T at the same time.
Use ASMOM’s Rhode Island SNAP guide for food-benefit and work-rule help.
American Job Centers
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training offers free career services through American Job Centers. Training funds and supportive services depend on the program and the approved plan.
Before paying for a bus pass, gas, parking, or repair, ask the job coach whether the cost must be approved first and what receipt or attendance proof is required.
School transportation and child care trips
Students experiencing homelessness
A child may qualify under McKinney-Vento when the family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime home. This can include a shelter, motel, car, campground, or staying with other people because housing was lost.
The RIDE homeless student page explains the liaison’s role. Ask the school for transportation to the school of origin when that is in the child’s best interest.
Do not wait until you have a lease or permanent address. Tell the liaison the current sleeping arrangement and a safe pickup location.
Child care transportation pressure
Rhode Island’s child care subsidy does not automatically provide a ride. However, lowering child care costs or choosing a provider near work may reduce the number of trips. Use ASMOM’s Rhode Island child care guide for subsidy steps.
If a transportation problem may cause the family to lose a child care slot, tell the provider, caseworker, and work-program counselor before the absence.
Documents and information to gather
You will not need every item for every program. Ask what proof is accepted before paying for copies or medical forms.
| Program | Helpful information | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wave | Card number, security code, email, and phone | Helps protect and reload the account. |
| RI Works pass | Case details and every eligible Wave number | MTM needs the right card to recharge. |
| Medicaid ride | Medicaid ID, clinic address, date, time, and return plan | Connects the trip to covered care. |
| RIde | Completed application and provider information | Shows why fixed-route service cannot be used. |
| Work support | Employment plan, schedule, route, estimate, and receipts | Shows the trip supports an approved activity. |
| School help | School name, housing situation, and safe pickup point | Helps the liaison arrange access. |
| Local agency | ZIP code, deadline, trip purpose, and household needs | Improves the referral. |
ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you save applications, notices, receipts, and call notes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to book a routine medical ride. MTM needs two full business days.
- Using cash for transfers. Cash costs $2 at every boarding, while Wave includes one hour of rides.
- Throwing away a Wave card. RI Works recharges the same cards.
- Assuming low income alone qualifies for free RIPTA. The no-fare program also requires age or disability status.
- Paying before work-program approval. The program may not reimburse an unapproved cost.
- Missing a denial deadline. RIde and Medicaid decisions have appeal paths.
If transportation help is denied, delayed, or missing
Ask for the reason in writing. A denial may involve missing proof, late notice, an uncovered destination, no active eligibility, a trip outside the service area, or the agency’s view that another ride option is available.
| Problem | First response | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| MTM denies a medical ride | Ask for the denial letter and reason | File a complaint, then request a state hearing if needed. |
| MTM ride is late | Call with the confirmation number | Tell the clinic and record the delay. |
| RI Works card is not loaded | Confirm each Wave card number | Ask DHS to verify active RI Works status. |
| RIde denies eligibility | Read the determination letter | Appeal within 60 days. |
| School ride is missing | Contact the district liaison | Ask the principal and district office for written follow-up. |
| Local funds are unavailable | Ask for another agency | Call 211 with a narrower request and deadline. |
Rhode Island rules allow verbal or written complaints about Medicaid, TANF, and elderly transportation. When transportation benefits are ended or greatly changed, a person may request a fair hearing.
The EOHHS Appeals Office explains state hearing procedures. MTM’s Rhode Island member information says a Medicaid transportation hearing request should be filed within 90 calendar days of the denial letter.
Use ASMOM’s denied help guide to track deadlines and evidence. For legal questions, see the Rhode Island legal guide.
Backup options when the first program cannot help
The Community Action screening tool connects residents with the agency serving their town. The network lists transportation assistance among basic-needs services, but each local agency has its own funds and rules.
Ask for one specific need: a Wave pass for a first week of work, gas for a medical trip, a ride to a shelter intake, or transportation to keep a child care slot. A clear request is easier to screen than asking for general transportation money.
Try to reduce the trip burden. Ask about telehealth, a telephone benefits interview, combined appointments, a closer provider, remote training, or child care near work.
When transportation problems are tied to other bills, use ASMOM’s Rhode Island housing guide, Rhode Island utility guide, and Rhode Island community guide.
Phone scripts
Calling MTM for a medical ride
“I have Rhode Island Medicaid and need transportation to a covered appointment on ____. The clinic is at ____. I have no other ride. What transportation can you arrange, and what is my confirmation number?”
Calling about an RI Works pass
“I receive RI Works and need the monthly Wave cards recharged. I have each eligible person’s card number. Can you confirm which cards were loaded and when the value will appear?”
Calling RIde
“A disability prevents me from using regular RIPTA buses safely. How do I apply for RIde, what parts must my provider complete, and when will a complete application be decided?”
Calling a school liaison
“Our housing is not stable, and transportation is keeping my child from school. I need to speak with the McKinney-Vento liaison and request help reaching the school of origin.”
Resumen en español
Rhode Island no tiene una sola beca de transporte para madres solteras. La ayuda puede venir de RIPTA, Medicaid, RI Works, transporte para personas con discapacidades, programas de empleo, la escuela o una agencia comunitaria.
Para una cita médica cubierta por Medicaid, llame a MTM al 1-855-330-9131. Los viajes normales necesitan dos días laborables de aviso. Si recibe RI Works, llame al mismo número para pedir la recarga mensual de las tarjetas Wave elegibles.
Si le niegan un viaje o pase, pida la razón por escrito y las instrucciones para apelar. Guarde las cartas, números de confirmación, recibos y nombres de las personas con quienes habló.
Frequently asked questions
Can single mothers get free bus passes in Rhode Island?
Sometimes. RI Works participants may receive monthly Wave passes. Local agencies may have limited passes. RIPTA’s no-fare program is for qualifying low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
What does a regular RIPTA ride cost?
The current fare is $2. Wave includes one hour of unlimited rides, with a $6 daily cap and $70 monthly cap. Cash requires $2 at each boarding.
Who do I call for a Medicaid ride?
Call MTM at 1-855-330-9131. Routine trips need two full business days of notice. Urgent same-day medical requests can be made 24 hours a day.
How much does RIde paratransit cost?
Standard RIde ADA paratransit costs $4 for each one-way trip. Riders must qualify and reserve trips ahead of time.
Can RI Works help with transportation?
Yes. RI Works participants may receive transportation support, including monthly Wave passes requested through MTM. Other support depends on the employment plan.
Can my child get school transportation during homelessness?
Possibly. McKinney-Vento may provide transportation to the school of origin for an eligible student. Ask the district’s homeless education liaison.
What can I do after a ride denial?
Ask for the reason and deadline in writing. File the program’s complaint or appeal, keep all proof, and ask 211 or Community Action about a backup ride.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.