Last updated: July 15, 2026
Bottom line
Delaware does not have one transportation grant for every single mother. Real help is usually tied to a specific need. DART can help with regular bus trips. DART Connect offers on-demand public transit in limited service areas. Delaware Medicaid may arrange rides to covered medical care. DART paratransit may serve people whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route buses. TANF, workforce, school, disability, and local programs may help with other trips.
Start with the office connected to the trip before paying for a taxi, rideshare, gas, repair, or bus pass. Some programs require approval first, and a referral does not guarantee payment.
The ASMOM transportation help guide explains national options. Use the Delaware help page for food, cash, housing, health care, child care, and other support.
If you need a ride today
Call 911 for a medical or safety emergency. Do not wait for Medicaid transportation, a bus, or a charity referral when someone needs emergency care.
- Medical appointment: Call the clinic and Delaware Medicaid transportation at 1-866-412-3778. Ask whether the trip can be arranged or the appointment can be moved safely.
- Local ride search: Call Delaware 211 transportation by dialing 211, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
- Bus information: Call DART at 1-800-652-3278 or check current routes before leaving.
- Safety concern: Use the ASMOM Delaware safety guide before sharing a pickup address that may put you at risk.
If the ride problem is connected to food, shelter, rent, or a shutoff, use the ASMOM Delaware emergency guide while you keep working on transportation.
Where to start
Doctor or therapy visit
Call the medical office first. If you have Delaware Medicaid, ask Modivcare to arrange a non-emergency medical ride.
Work or training
Check DART, then ask your TANF worker, employment provider, school, or workforce program whether transportation support is part of your plan.
Cannot use the bus
Ask DART about ADA paratransit. The decision is based on how a disability affects your ability to use fixed-route transit.
Housing is temporary
Ask your child’s school for the McKinney-Vento liaison. Eligible students may receive transportation to the school of origin.
No program seems to fit
Call 211 and name the exact trip. Ask about public transit, gas cards, volunteer rides, car repair referrals, and local emergency programs.
Quick reference
| Trip need | First contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular bus trip | DART First State | Which route, fare, pass, and transfer fit? | Routes and hours differ by area. |
| On-demand transit | DART Connect | Is my pickup inside the service area? | It is limited to Newark, Georgetown, and Millsboro. |
| Covered medical care | Modivcare | Can you schedule my Medicaid ride? | Routine rides should be requested at least three days ahead. |
| Disability prevents bus use | DART paratransit | Which application and assessment do I need? | A diagnosis alone does not always qualify someone. |
| TANF work activity | DSS or employment provider | Can my plan provide a bus pass or gas card? | Support is tied to program participation. |
| School after housing loss | School liaison | Does school-of-origin transportation apply? | The school reviews the child’s living situation. |
DART buses, fares, and trip planning
DART First State is Delaware’s statewide public transit system. Use the official DART routes page to check current schedules, maps, alerts, and service changes. Test a new route before a first day of work, court date, class, or medical visit when possible.
The current DART fare page lists a one-zone adult fare of $2. A reduced one-zone fare is 80 cents for eligible riders, and the student one-zone fare is $1. Children 46 inches tall or shorter ride free with a fare-paying adult, with limits listed on the fare page. Exact change is needed when paying cash.
| Current fare type | One-zone amount | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Adult single ride | $2 | Pay with exact cash, DART Pass, or an accepted ticket. |
| Reduced fare | $0.80 | A Medicare card or DART reduced-fare ID is required. |
| Student fare | $1 | A student ID is required for riders age 17 and older. |
| Daily pass | $4 | May cost less than several single rides. |
| 30-day pass | $60 | Useful only when the route and schedule work consistently. |
Fares can change. Confirm the amount before planning a monthly budget. Ask DART whether a reduced fare, travel training, or a different route can make the trip more manageable.
DART Connect in three communities
DART Connect service is an on-demand public transit option in Newark, Georgetown, and Millsboro. It uses smaller DART vehicles and can connect riders to more locations inside each service area.
The current fare is $2 per ride, the same as a regular one-zone DART bus fare. Riders can book through the DART Transit app or call 1-800-652-3278, Option 3. The service is open to the public, and wheelchair-accessible rides are available when the need is included in the request.
DART says estimated waits are normally no more than 15 minutes during service hours, but this is not a guaranteed pickup time. Traffic, demand, weather, and vehicle availability may affect the trip. Check that both the pickup and destination are inside the service zone.
Delaware Medicaid medical rides
Delaware Medicaid uses Modivcare for non-emergency transportation to and from covered medical services. Modivcare checks Medicaid eligibility and whether transportation is needed for a covered appointment, then arranges an appropriate contracted provider.
Call 1-866-412-3778. The state says routine transportation should be arranged no fewer than three days before the appointment. Use the Delaware Modivcare page for member forms, feedback, and current trip information.
| Have ready | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Medicaid member details | Modivcare must confirm eligibility. |
| Appointment date and time | The trip must match scheduled care. |
| Provider name and address | The destination must be a covered medical service. |
| Pickup address and phone | The transportation provider needs safe contact information. |
| Wheelchair, car seat, or escort need | The correct vehicle and trip plan may be required. |
Ask for a confirmation number. If the ride is late, call Modivcare and the medical office. If you also need health coverage or help understanding Medicaid, use the ASMOM Delaware health guide.
Medical transportation has limits
It is not a general ride service for work, errands, school, or shopping. The trip must meet Medicaid rules and connect to covered medical care.
DART paratransit and reduced fares
DART ADA paratransit is for people who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a physical or mental impairment. Eligibility can apply when a person cannot board or exit a bus, needs boarding equipment that is unavailable, or cannot travel to or from a bus stop because of a disability-related condition.
The official paratransit information page says to call 1-800-553-3278 or download the application. A person with a disability completes Part A, and a health care professional completes Part B. DART also uses an in-person interview and may require a functional assessment.
DART’s current application says a decision should be made within 21 days after the in-person interview, or presumptive eligibility is granted while the decision is pending. If eligibility is denied, the applicant has a right to appeal.
The current ADA paratransit fare is $4 for a qualifying trip within the ADA service area and operating hours. A non-ADA demand-response trip is listed at $6. DART confirms the exact fare when the reservation is made.
A person who can use the fixed-route bus may still qualify for a reduced fare because of age, Medicare status, or a certified disability. The ASMOM disability help guide covers other support paths.
Transportation for work and training
TANF work activities
Delaware TANF participants may receive transportation support connected to required employment and training activities. Current state policy says employment and training providers give transportation assistance to unemployed clients who must participate, often through bus passes or gas cards. Continued help after employment is reviewed case by case.
Ask the DSS worker or employment provider before spending money. Explain the activity, location, schedule, and barrier. Use the official Delaware TANF page and the ASMOM Delaware TANF guide for application and case steps.
Workforce and disability services
A Delaware workforce program may approve supportive services when transportation is needed for an authorized activity and other program rules are met. Ask the program counselor whether it can help with transit, mileage, or another approved cost before dropping out of training.
People whose disabilities create a barrier to employment can contact the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Services are based on eligibility, an employment goal, and an individualized plan. Do not assume DVR will pay for a vehicle or every ride.
Commute planning
Delaware Commute Solutions is a free planning program for people who live, work, or attend college in Delaware. It can help with transit, carpool matching, vanpools, biking, walking, telework, and compressed schedules. It does not normally pay regular fuel, parking, tolls, or transit costs.
Registered riders who regularly use a qualifying clean commute may use Guaranteed Ride Home for certain unexpected events. This is a backup for registered commuters, not a daily ride to work.
School transportation after housing loss
A child may qualify for McKinney-Vento help when the family is staying in a shelter, motel, car, campground, doubled-up home, or another temporary place because regular housing was lost. Delaware schools must inform eligible families about transportation services, including transportation to the school of origin.
Use the Delaware homelessness page to find the district or charter liaison. Tell the liaison where the child currently sleeps, which school the child attended, and what transportation problem is stopping attendance.
For ordinary school-bus questions, contact the district or charter transportation supervisor. The state school transportation page directs families to their local school system.
If unstable housing is part of the problem, use the ASMOM Delaware housing guide.
When child care is the transportation barrier
A bus route may reach work but not the current child care provider. Delaware’s Purchase of Care program may help eligible families pay for child care so a caretaker can work, train, or meet another approved need. Apply through Delaware ASSIST or a State Service Center.
Child care assistance does not normally pay for transportation, but a provider closer to home, work, or a bus route may make the commute possible. Use the ASMOM Delaware child care guide before changing providers or missing work.
Documents and details to gather
You can ask for help before every paper is ready. Bring the details that connect the transportation need to the program.
| Help type | Have ready | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid ride | Member ID, appointment, provider, pickup, mobility needs | The trip must be verified and scheduled. |
| Paratransit | Application, health professional information, functional limits | DART reviews the ability to use fixed-route transit. |
| TANF or workforce | Case number, activity schedule, work location, cost estimate | The request must connect to an approved plan. |
| School ride | Child’s school, current sleeping place, safe contact details | The liaison reviews school-of-origin rights. |
| 211 referral | ZIP code, trip reason, date, passengers, accessibility needs | Specific details improve the resource search. |
The ASMOM documents checklist can help you organize benefit notices, IDs, schedules, and proof.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying before approval. Medicaid, TANF, workforce, and disability programs may not repay an unapproved cost.
- Waiting until travel day. Routine Medicaid rides need advance notice, and paratransit needs an eligibility process.
- Asking only for a grant. Ask for the exact need: bus pass, medical ride, gas card, carpool, paratransit, or school transportation.
- Assuming 211 pays directly. Delaware 211 gives referrals; local funding and eligibility still apply.
- Using an old schedule. Check DART alerts and service hours before an important trip.
- Leaving out safety needs. Tell the program if a pickup address, phone call, or shared ride could put you at risk.
If transportation is denied, delayed, or unavailable
Ask for the reason in writing. Save the notice, trip number, application, call dates, and names of people you spoke with. Each program has a different review process.
| Problem | First step | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid ride not scheduled | Ask Modivcare what is missing. | Call the provider and Medicaid if needed. |
| Medical trip denied | Request the reason and notice. | Follow the Medicaid fair-hearing instructions. |
| Paratransit denied | Request the eligibility decision. | Use DART’s appeal process. |
| TANF support denied | Ask which policy or plan rule applies. | Follow DSS hearing rights in the notice. |
| No local ride program | Search DART, 211, school, and community options. | Ask whether another benefit can lower the cost burden. |
Delaware DHSS offers a fair hearing when a person disputes a decision to deny, delay, reduce, suspend, or end certain benefits. The fair hearing page says requests must be made in writing and can be emailed to the address listed there. Medicaid notices may give a 90-day appeal period, but follow the exact deadline in your own notice.
The CLASI benefits unit helps some eligible Delaware residents with Medicaid, TANF, child care, and other public-benefit problems. Representation is not guaranteed.
The ASMOM benefits problem guide explains how to track notices and deadlines. Use the Delaware legal guide when a denial affects medical care, school access, disability rights, housing, or safety.
Phone scripts
Calling Modivcare
“I have Delaware Medicaid and need a ride to a covered appointment on [date] at [time]. The provider is [name] at [address]. What information do you need, and can you give me a trip number?”
Calling DART paratransit
“A disability makes it hard or impossible for me to use the fixed-route bus. Which application do I need, what must my health professional complete, and when will the interview be scheduled?”
Calling a TANF worker
“Transportation is stopping me from attending [orientation, work activity, training, or job]. Can my plan provide a bus pass, gas card, or other approved support? What proof should I send?”
Calling the school
“Our housing is temporary, and transportation is keeping my child from school. I need the McKinney-Vento liaison. Can we discuss transportation to the school of origin?”
Resumen en español
Delaware no tiene una sola ayuda de transporte para todas las madres solteras. La ayuda depende del viaje. Use DART para buses, DART Connect en Newark, Georgetown y Millsboro, Modivcare para citas médicas de Medicaid, y paratránsito si una discapacidad impide usar el bus regular.
Para una cita médica de rutina, llame a Modivcare al 1-866-412-3778 por lo menos tres días antes. Para ayuda local, llame al 211 o mande su código postal al 898-211. Si su vivienda es temporal, pida en la escuela el enlace de McKinney-Vento.
Si una solicitud es negada, pida la razón por escrito y siga la fecha límite y el proceso de apelación en la carta.
FAQs
Does Delaware offer transportation grants for single mothers?
Not as one statewide grant for every need. Help usually comes through transit, Medicaid, paratransit, TANF, workforce, schools, 211, or local programs.
How early should I request a Medicaid ride?
Delaware says routine Modivcare rides should be requested at least three days before the appointment. Call sooner when possible.
How much does DART Connect cost?
The current fare is $2 per ride. DART Connect serves defined areas in Newark, Georgetown, and Millsboro.
Can TANF provide a bus pass or gas card?
Delaware TANF employment providers may give transportation support for required participation. Ask the worker what your plan allows before spending money.
Who qualifies for DART paratransit?
It is for people whose disabilities prevent fixed-route bus use under ADA rules. DART reviews an application, interview, and sometimes a functional assessment.
What should I do after a transportation denial?
Ask for the reason in writing, save the notice, and follow the review, hearing, or appeal instructions before the deadline.
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 15, 2026, next review October 15, 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.