Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Where to start

Start with the purpose of the trip, not the words “transportation grant.” Tell the office where you need to go, when you need to arrive, why the trip matters, and why your usual ride is not available.

West Virginia transportation quick reference

Medicaid and WVCHIP medical rides

West Virginia Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation helps eligible Medicaid and WVCHIP members reach covered services when they need transportation. The state contracts with Modivcare to manage all non-ambulance rides.

The current West Virginia member page says routine reservations are taken Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 1-844-549-8353 at least five business days before a routine appointment. You can also manage trips through the member website or mobile app.

The state ride brochure says to reserve routine trips no more than 30 days ahead and to call at least five business days before the visit. Modivcare can take urgent requests and hospital discharges outside normal booking hours. Tell the staff if your trip cannot wait; do not label a routine trip urgent. Members who use a TTY can call 1-866-288-3133.

What Modivcare may arrange

• Gas mileage reimbursement when an approved person drives.
• Fixed-route bus tickets or passes when public transit fits the trip.
• A car, van, or taxi for an ambulatory member.
• A wheelchair-accessible vehicle when the member qualifies.

Transportation is normally tied to the member’s address on record and a covered medical service. If you move, update your Medicaid address. Ask your health plan about coverage and whether your child needs an escort.

Information to give Modivcare

Have the member’s name, home address, phone number, Medicaid identification number, pickup address, medical provider name and address, appointment date and time, expected end time, general appointment type, and any mobility or escort need.

Mileage reimbursement

A member, family member, or friend may qualify for mileage reimbursement for an approved trip. The driver must follow Modivcare instructions, and the medical provider must confirm attendance. Use the current forms linked from the West Virginia member page and do not assume a trip will be paid if it was not approved first.

Ask Modivcare which mileage forms and signatures you need before driving. If a child may ride without a parent, ask about the member-page consent form for minors and any required escort.

Public transit and demand-response rides

The West Virginia Department of Transportation maintains a transportation provider directory by county. It includes public buses, specialized transportation, taxi services, Head Start providers, and information about lift-equipped vehicles.

A fixed route follows a regular schedule. Demand-response service requires a reservation. Route-deviation service may leave the regular route within a limited area when requested. Always call before relying on a rural trip because advance notice, service days, and pickup rules differ.

KRT route update: Beginning July 20, 2026, KRT moved Routes 11, 16, 18, and part of Route 10 into KRTplus zones. Some fixed-route stops no longer operate as before. The KRT route notice gives the affected areas. Call KRT at 304-343-7586 to ask about on-demand booking, accessible rides, and the full trip to your destination.

Rural route tip: Tri River Transit normally asks for route-deviation requests at least the day before. Mountain Transit says some demand-response rides require 24 hours’ notice. These rules depend on your exact route and are not the same as Medicaid’s five-day booking rule.

Check the actual route before buying a pass. A low fare does not help if the first bus arrives after your shift begins or the last bus leaves before child care closes.

Transportation for work, training, or job search

West Virginia WORKS is the state TANF program. Its currently posted support-service policy allows transportation help for some work-eligible participants when the cost is needed to begin or continue an approved activity. Public-transit users may be reimbursed for the actual cost. Private transportation payments can include part of fuel, insurance, maintenance, minor repairs, and parking.

The posted state policy includes rules about participation, other travel payments, and written support-service denials. It is an older manual, so confirm current limits and forms with your caseworker. A worker should explain what can be covered before you make a purchase. If you need to apply for WV WORKS, the PATH help page explains account setup and managing a benefits case.

The rules depend on the activity, active case, sanction status, other transportation money, proof of the cost, and current limits. Ask your worker before paying. The state’s support-service policy also requires a written reason and fair-hearing information when a requested support payment is denied.

Apply for cash, food, health coverage, child care, and energy programs through West Virginia PATH. Find local help through the DoHS office directory. ASMOM’s West Virginia TANF guide explains the broader WV WORKS process.

Ask before missing an activity

Tell your worker when a bus route, child care schedule, broken car, license problem, unsafe vehicle, or lack of fuel is blocking participation. Bring the work or training schedule and explain why cheaper options do not work. If child care is part of the barrier, see ASMOM’s West Virginia child care guide.

Workforce programs

WorkForce West Virginia connects job seekers with local offices, training, and employment services. Some Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs can provide supportive services such as transportation when needed for an approved activity. Funding and local policy vary, so ask the specific program what it can approve.

The state keeps WIOA support-service guidance for its programs. Ask the local workforce office if you must be enrolled before help can be offered, whether there is money available, and which receipts or written approval you need. It is not an open cash grant for all job seekers.

Car repair, insurance, licenses, and vehicle help

The WV WORKS policy currently posted by the state includes possible help with vehicle repair, transportation, vehicle insurance, and certain license costs for eligible participants. Vehicle repair funds cannot be used to buy a vehicle. The car generally must be titled or leased in West Virginia in the name of a work-eligible adult in the household, and the repair plus other resources must make it roadworthy.

Do not approve a repair yourself and expect repayment later. Ask the worker whether the repair is eligible, which estimates are needed, whether a vendor must be approved, and what written authorization you will receive.

Good News Mountaineer Garage

Good News Mountaineer Garage provides vehicles to some families who need transportation for work or job training. The WV WORKS program requires a referral from the caseworker and regional approval. It is not a walk-in car giveaway.

Before a vehicle is placed, the Garage says recipients must show liability insurance and take car-care training. Ask the caseworker whether a referral is possible and whether any vehicles are available for your family size. Do not pay a third party who claims to guarantee a vehicle.

Ask about driver-license rules, insurance, vehicle availability, training, title costs, and ongoing ownership expenses. A car can solve a route problem but create new costs for fuel, tires, repairs, registration, and insurance.

Rural, disability, and caregiver ride options

Many West Virginia communities have limited routes and long distances between homes, child care, jobs, and clinics. Use the state directory to search by county, then ask whether the provider offers demand response, route deviation, ADA paratransit, volunteer drivers, or a connection to another transit system.

The Community Action agency finder shows which agency serves each county. Services differ, but some agencies provide rides, passes, gas help, Head Start transportation, or referrals when funds are available. ASMOM’s West Virginia community guide lists more local starting points.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find services and long-term supports. County aging providers may also offer transportation, but age, disability, trip purpose, and county rules apply. The ADRC lists 1-866-981-2372 for free information and referrals; it does not guarantee a ride or payment.

For disability-related supports beyond rides, ask the ADRC or county service agency what help fits your age, disability, or caregiver role.

ADA paratransit: If a regular bus is not usable due to a disability, ask the local transit operator whether it runs ADA complementary paratransit, how to apply, and how far the service goes. If denied, request the written decision and appeal steps. Federal paratransit appeal guidance says a provider may set an appeal deadline as short as 60 days from denial. This rule applies to qualifying ADA paratransit programs, not every county van service.

How to request transportation help

1. Choose the correct office. Medical ride: Modivcare. Work activity: WV WORKS worker. Job training: workforce counselor. Local bus: transit agency. Rural gap: 211 or Community Action.
2. Explain the full trip. Give the address, date, pickup and return times, why the ride is needed, and any child-care or wheelchair needs.
3. Ask what must happen first. Check eligibility, advance booking, written approval, documents, fare, service area, and available funds.
4. Keep proof. Save trip numbers, caseworker messages, estimates, receipts, confirmation numbers, and written decisions.
5. Make a backup plan. Ask about a different time, accessible ride, mileage reimbursement, another local provider, or help for the same task.

What to have ready

You will not need every item for every program. Keep copies of anything you send and save trip or case confirmation numbers.

Keep copies of each form, estimate, case notice, and confirmation number. Ask the office what proof it needs before you submit a request.

Related help to check

Transportation costs are easier to manage when other bills are lower. The West Virginia housing guide and West Virginia utility guide cover rent, shelter, and energy assistance.