Last updated: November 2, 2026
Bottom line
Virginia does not have one transportation grant for every single mother. Real help is usually tied to a specific need, such as Medicaid medical care, a TANF or SNAP work activity, public transit, disability access, school transportation, a child safety seat, or a local emergency.
Start with the program connected to the trip. Virginia Medicaid may arrange transportation to covered care when you have no other safe way to travel. Work programs may help when transportation is needed for an approved job or training plan. Local transit agencies, schools, Community Action agencies, and 211 may fill other gaps.
Do not pay a website that promises a guaranteed free car or transportation grant. The ASMOM national transportation guide explains the main types of real help.
If you need a ride soon
- Medical emergency: Call 911. Medicaid non-emergency transportation is not for life-threatening symptoms.
- Medicaid appointment: Call the transportation number for your Cardinal Care plan. Fee-for-service members can call 866-386-8331.
- Late fee-for-service ride: Call Ride Assist at 866-246-9979 when the vehicle is more than 15 minutes late or does not arrive. You can also use MTM Link to check trips; call if the driver has not arrived.
- Local ride or gas help: Call 211, call 800-230-6977, or text CONNECT to 247211 through 211 Virginia. Live 211 staff currently answer Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern. Search online at any hour.
- Interstate breakdown: Move to a safer place when possible. The Safety Service Patrol provides free roadside help on covered Virginia interstates.
If transportation trouble is tied to food, shelter, utilities, or another immediate need, use the ASMOM Virginia emergency guide.
What changed in fall 2026
October 1: Virginia Medicaid changed its fee-for-service ride contractor from ModivCare to MTM Health. The booking number, 866-386-8331, and late-ride number, 866-246-9979, stayed the same. Managed-care plan rides did not change because of this contract switch.
Fairfax County: Fairfax Connector started moving its reduced-fare TRIP program to TRIP100, which gives approved riders free Fairfax Connector trips. Existing TRIP cardholders can keep using their cards as free bus passes during the changeover, but need to apply for the new card.
September 27: 211 Virginia limited live phone, text, chat, and email help to Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern, during a three-month pilot. Its online resource directory remains available around the clock.
Where to start
Write down why you need transportation, the date, the destination, and the time you must arrive. Then contact the office tied to that purpose. A Medicaid broker cannot approve a ride to work, and a workforce office normally cannot approve a medical ride.
Medical appointment
Use Medicaid transportation first when you or your child has Virginia Medicaid and the visit is covered. Report wheelchair, car-seat, escort, or other access needs.
Work or training
Ask your VIEW worker, SNAP Employment and Training provider, or workforce center whether transportation can be part of your approved plan.
School or child care
Ask the school liaison, child-care worker, college, or training provider whether it has passes, mileage help, or another transportation option.
No program fits
Call 211, search local transit, and ask a Community Action agency. Be clear about the trip purpose and deadline.
Use the ASMOM Virginia help page when transportation is only one part of the family’s current needs.
Quick reference table
| Trip or need | Best first contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered medical care | Medicaid plan or MTM Health | Ride, transit tickets, or mileage reimbursement | Routine fee-for-service trips need five business days’ notice. |
| VIEW work activity | VIEW worker | Transportation supportive service | Help must connect to the approved plan and local rules. |
| SNAP job training | SNAP E&T provider | Necessary participation expense | Ask before paying because reimbursement is not automatic. |
| Regular commute | Local transit or ConnectingVA | Route, low fare, carpool, or vanpool | Service and discounts vary by region. |
| Rural trip | State transit map or 211 | Demand-response transportation | Reservations and limited service days are common. |
| School during homelessness | McKinney-Vento liaison | School-of-origin transportation | The liaison must review the child’s situation. |
Virginia Medicaid medical rides
The official DMAS transportation page says transportation is covered when a Medicaid member has no other way to reach a doctor appointment or another covered Medicaid service. It is available through Cardinal Care managed-care plans and fee-for-service Medicaid. Since October 1, 2026, MTM Health handles fee-for-service (FFS) rides; it does not book routine managed-care plan rides. The state transportation page still has older contractor wording, so use the state’s September 2026 change bulletin and MTM’s new member page for current FFS booking steps.
Check the plan name on your Medicaid card. The current transportation contact list gives these reservation numbers: This is the state list dated October 17, 2025; confirm the number on the back of your current plan card, as plans can update vendors and contact details.
| Medicaid coverage | Reservation number |
|---|---|
| Fee-for-Service Medicaid | 866-386-8331 |
| Aetna Better Health | 800-734-0430 |
| Anthem HealthKeepers Plus | 877-892-3988 |
| Humana Healthy Horizons | 877-718-4215 |
| Sentara Health Plans | 877-892-3986 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 833-215-3884 |
Routine and urgent trips
The new MTM Health member page says routine FFS rides must be booked at least five business days before the visit. Book by calling 866-386-8331, using MTM Link online or in its app, or using MTM’s web chat. You can request a trip 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The prior ModivCare handbook describes the old contractor; use MTM’s current steps.
An urgent, non-life-threatening medical trip may be booked with less notice. Call 866-386-8331; MTM may check the need with the medical office. Do not treat a missed routine booking deadline as an urgent medical need. For a medical emergency, call 911. For a discharge ride, ask the hospital staff to contact MTM.
Types of help
Based on medical needs, FFS rides may use a sedan, van, wheelchair vehicle, stretcher service, bus tickets, or gas-mileage reimbursement. A safe, usable public bus route may be offered when appropriate. Ask for door-to-door or hand-to-hand help if you need it; MTM may check the need with your care team. Mileage trips can be requested on the day of the visit, but you must call before the appointment. Ask which driver, vehicle, insurance, and trip-log papers are required.
Bring the right child seat or booster if a child rides, and tell MTM before booking about a wheelchair, walker, escort, or child passenger. FFS members may have one other rider when arranged in advance. Children age 12 or younger need an adult escort; ages 13–17 may be allowed to ride alone with a signed parent consent form. Ask MTM if you are unsure.
The ASMOM Virginia health guide explains Medicaid and clinic help when coverage is the first barrier.
Save the trip number
A trip reference number helps staff find the reservation, but it does not mean a transportation company has already accepted the trip. Check the assignment before an important appointment. If you have a standing ride for dialysis, therapy, or another repeat visit, ask your medical office whether it must renew the standing order after the contractor switch.
Transportation for work and training
VIEW and TANF
The Virginia Initiative for Education and Work is the state TANF employment program. The official VIEW program may provide supportive services such as child care, transportation, work-related expenses, and emergency intervention when needed for an approved activity.
Contact the worker before buying a pass, paying for gas, or hiring a ride. Ask what is approved, whether receipts are required, and how quickly the support can start. The ASMOM Virginia TANF guide explains VIEW assignments and case notices.
SNAP Employment and Training
Virginia SNAP E&T helps participating SNAP recipients gain skills and prepare for work. Supportive services may cover expenses that are reasonably necessary and directly related to participation, including transportation in an approved plan.
Virginia lists bus passes, gas cards and minor car repairs as possible SNAP E&T support. The program runs through a limited set of local agencies, not every county. Ask whether the local provider will cover a bus pass, mileage, fuel, or another transportation cost. Funding and providers vary. The ASMOM Virginia SNAP guide covers food-benefit applications and case problems.
Workforce centers
Use the Virginia Works locator to find a workforce center. A training program may consider supportive services when transportation is needed to complete an approved activity and another source is not available.
You can apply for TANF, SNAP, child care, and energy assistance through Virginia CommonHelp. If child-care pickup or cost is blocking work, use the ASMOM Virginia child-care guide.
Public transit and commute help
The state ConnectingVA planner helps riders compare bus, rail, rideshare, vanpool, biking, and walking options. Use it with the local agency’s live alerts before leaving. Fare rules and route funding can change, so check the agency before each trip.
| Area or program | Current help | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia and Metro | Metro Lift gives SNAP recipients 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail. It also works on ART buses as of July 1, 2026. | SmarTrip cards and active SNAP proof are required. |
| Fairfax County | Fairfax TRIP100 now offers 100% off Fairfax Connector fares to eligible riders. Existing TRIP cards work as free flash passes during the shift. | Must live in Fairfax County, Fairfax City or Falls Church and meet a listed eligibility test. Apply for TRIP100; check card delivery. |
| Richmond region | GRTC service is currently fare-free. | Check routes, LINK zones, detours, and return service. |
| Alexandria | DASH buses are currently fare-free. | Check connections to Metro, VRE, and other systems. |
| Other Virginia areas | The state transit map shows fixed routes, microtransit, and demand-response areas. | Call the provider about fare, advance notice, and service limits. |
If rent or utility bills are using the money needed for gas or transit, check the ASMOM Virginia housing guide and the Virginia utility assistance guide.
Rural transportation and disability access
Rural services may use demand-response trips instead of fixed bus routes. This means you reserve the ride ahead of time. Ask which counties are served, whether the trip can cross a county line, how many days ahead to call, and whether children or attendants can ride.
If a disability prevents you from using a regular bus, ask the local transit agency for an ADA paratransit application. Eligibility is based on your functional ability to use fixed-route transit, not income alone. Approval takes time, so apply before an urgent need. If an ADA paratransit decision is denied, ask the transit agency for its written appeal process and deadlines.
Virginia Rehabilitation Services and workforce programs may consider transportation when it is needed for an approved employment plan. The ASMOM disability support guide explains benefit, school, health, and legal paths.
Toll relief, roadside help, and car seats
Hampton Roads toll relief
The current VDOT Toll Relief program gives eligible Hampton Roads residents earning $65,000 or less a 50% discount on up to 14 Downtown or Midtown Tunnel trips per week. Eligible Norfolk and Portsmouth residents earning under $50,000 can receive a 100% discount on up to 14 trips per week.
You must show income and residency proof and connect the benefit to a Virginia E-ZPass transponder. Funding and continued eligibility rules apply. Apply in person at a participating E-ZPass center and recheck your eligibility each year. Toll credits apply only to eligible two-axle trips with the linked transponder.
Low-income safety seats
The Virginia Department of Health safety seat program may provide a child seat or booster when the applicant lives in Virginia, is a custodial parent, legal guardian, foster parent, or pregnant in the last trimester, and meets WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, FAMIS, or program income rules.
The child must be age seven or younger and fit a program seat. A parent or guardian must attend training on correct use and installation. Supplies and local sites are limited. Use the program’s site map to find a local partner. If none is close, call 800-732-8333 to ask where to apply. Citizenship is not required for this program.
School transportation during housing instability
If your family is staying in a shelter, motel, car, campground, or temporarily with another household after losing housing, ask the school for its McKinney-Vento liaison.
Project HOPE-Virginia says local liaisons can help with immediate enrollment, transportation, free school meals, and other support. The liaison can review transportation to the school of origin and help solve enrollment barriers. Ask about the school-of-origin choice and how a child can keep attending while the school resolves the ride. Do not assume sharing housing always meets the definition; explain why the living arrangement is temporary.
If safety or a court issue affects transportation, use the ASMOM Virginia safety guide or Virginia legal guide.
Information to gather before calling
Call even when you do not have every document. For a planned request, gather the details that fit the program. The ASMOM documents checklist can help you organize benefit and appointment records.
| Request | Have ready | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid ride | Member ID, birth date, addresses, appointment time, provider, return plan | The broker must verify and schedule the trip. |
| VIEW or SNAP E&T | Case number, worker, activity schedule, route, cost, receipts | The expense must connect to an approved plan. |
| Transit discount | Photo ID, address, SNAP or income proof, fare card | Reduced-fare programs verify eligibility. |
| Toll Relief | Income proof, residency proof, E-ZPass information | The credit is tied to an eligible person and transponder. |
| Safety seat | Residence, benefit or income proof, child’s age and size | The site must confirm eligibility and choose the seat. |
| School transportation | Current living situation, school, old address, safe contact | The liaison reviews McKinney-Vento eligibility and travel needs. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long: Fee-for-service routine rides need five business days’ notice.
- Calling the wrong plan: Use the plan listed on the current Medicaid card.
- Buying first: Work programs may not reimburse an expense that was not approved.
- Forgetting the return trip: Ask whether it is scheduled or set as will-call.
- Not bringing a car seat: Fee-for-service riders must provide the child seat.
- Assuming a referral has funds: Call the agency after 211 gives the referral.
- Trusting free-car claims: Verify every program through a government agency or established nonprofit.
If a ride is denied, late, or does not arrive
Fee-for-service Medicaid
A ride is considered late 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup. Call Ride Assist at 866-246-9979 and report a late vehicle or provider no-show. Notify the medical office too.
If MTM denies an FFS ride, ask for the written decision and reason. You generally have 30 days from the written denial to appeal to Virginia Medicaid (DMAS), not just to complain to the ride company. Call the DMAS Appeals Division at 804-371-8488 or use the official appeals portal. The prior handbook said the broker mailed a notice within two business days; the current MTM guidance says you will be notified promptly, so do not count on that exact mailing date. Managed-care appeals follow plan rules. Read your notice.
Work-program transportation
Ask the worker for the decision and reason in writing. Find out whether proof was missing, the expense was not approved, or another option was available. Ask whether the plan can be changed before you miss an activity.
Transit or paratransit problem
Report missed pickups, access problems, and driver concerns to the transit agency. Ask for its complaint and appeal process. Keep trip dates, pickup times, vehicle details, and messages.
The ASMOM benefits problem guide explains how to track notices, calls, and appeals.
Backup options when no program works
- Ask a medical provider whether telehealth or a different clinic location is appropriate.
- Ask an employer about shift changes, transit benefits, carpooling, or vanpool support.
- Ask the school, college, or training program about emergency passes or remote participation.
- Call 211 for local churches, volunteer drivers, gas assistance, and ride programs.
- Ask a Community Action agency about local transportation or employment help.
- Ask whether a trusted driver can receive Medicaid mileage reimbursement before the medical trip.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling Medicaid transportation
“Hi, I need transportation to a covered Medicaid appointment. My member number is [number]. The appointment is on [date] at [time] at [address]. I need pickup from [address] and need [car seat, wheelchair access, escort, or other help]. Please give me the trip number and return instructions.”
Calling VIEW or SNAP E&T
“Transportation is keeping me from completing my approved work or training activity. Can my plan help with a bus pass, mileage, fuel, or another ride cost? What must be approved before I spend money?”
Calling 211
“I live in [city or county] and need transportation for [medical care, work, school, child care, court, or food] by [date]. Can you check for bus passes, gas help, volunteer rides, or local transportation programs?”
Calling a school liaison
“My family is temporarily staying [in a shelter, motel, car, or with another household] after losing housing. I need to speak with the McKinney-Vento liaison about enrollment and transportation.”
Resumen en español
Virginia no tiene una sola subvención de transporte para todas las madres solteras. La ayuda depende del motivo del viaje. Para una cita médica cubierta por Medicaid, llame al número de transporte de su plan. Si tiene Medicaid de pago por servicio, llame al 866-386-8331. Los viajes de rutina deben solicitarse con cinco días laborables de anticipación. Desde el 1 de octubre de 2026, MTM Health coordina los viajes de Medicaid de pago por servicio; los números de teléfono no cambiaron.
Para transporte relacionado con trabajo o capacitación, pregunte a su trabajador de VIEW, SNAP E&T o Virginia Works. Para ayuda local, marque 211 o mande CONNECT al 247211. Si su familia perdió vivienda, pida hablar con el enlace McKinney-Vento de la escuela.
Guarde números de viaje, recibos, avisos y nombres de las personas con quienes habló. Si le niegan un viaje, pida la razón por escrito y las instrucciones para apelar.
FAQs
Can Virginia Medicaid pay for a ride to the doctor?
Yes. Medicaid may cover transportation to a covered service when the member has no other safe way to travel. Call the number for the member’s Cardinal Care plan.
How early should I schedule a Medicaid ride?
For fee-for-service Medicaid, book a routine trip at least five business days ahead. MTM takes bookings 24/7 by phone and online. For urgent care, call 866-386-8331 and explain the medical need.
Can TANF or SNAP help with transportation?
VIEW and SNAP Employment and Training may cover approved transportation costs that are needed for a work or training plan. Ask before spending money.
Are there low-income transit discounts in Virginia?
Yes. Metro Lift offers eligible SNAP riders half-price Metro travel. Fairfax Connector is changing TRIP to TRIP100, with free eligible bus trips. GRTC and Alexandria DASH are currently fare-free. Check each system before you go.
Can I get a child safety seat?
Virginia may provide a seat to eligible residents with a child age seven or younger, or to eligible pregnant mothers in their last trimester. Training and seat stock matter. Call 800-732-8333 if you cannot find a local site.
What should I do if a Medicaid ride does not arrive?
For a fee-for-service ride more than 15 minutes late, call MTM Ride Assist at 866-246-9979. Give the trip number and tell your medical office. For a managed-care ride, call your plan.
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: Updated November 2, 2026; next review January 31, 2027. Check local schedules and available funding before travel.
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.
Last updated: November 2, 2026 Next review: January 31, 2027