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Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Georgia

Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Georgia

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you fast, practical ways to get rides for medical care, work, school, and daily life in Georgia. You’ll see who to call, what to say, how long it takes, and what to do if the first door doesn’t open. You’ll also find local transit fares, rural ride options, and help with driver’s licenses and car costs.


Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are the main state agencies behind the programs in this guide. Always double‑check the details before you go or apply. (dot.ga.gov)

If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call your Medicaid ride broker now: If you or your child has Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids and you have a covered medical visit, call the right broker to schedule a free ride or gas reimbursement. Verida serves Atlanta 404-209-4000 and North 1-866-388-9844; Modivcare serves Central 1-888-224-7981, East 1-888-224-7988, and Southwest 1-888-224-7985. Tell them your appointment time, pickup, and any child seats needed. Georgia Medicaid NEMT overview, Verida (Atlanta/North) contacts, Modivcare regions. (medicaid.georgia.gov)
  • Enroll in Guaranteed Ride Home in Metro Atlanta: If you commute by bus, train, carpool, or vanpool and a child gets sick or you must work late, you can get up to four free Uber rides home per year after you register and log a “clean commute.” Start in the MyGaCommuteOptions app to unlock your first ride. Georgia Commute Options – GRH, GCO home, Xpress GRH info. (gacommuteoptions.com)
  • If your license is suspended and you can’t afford the fee: Georgia now offers a Pauper’s Affidavit (DDS‑355) that may waive many reinstatement fees starting 09/04/2025; it doesn’t cover Super Speeder or Safety Responsibility. Ask about a limited driving permit (often $32) for work, school, and medical trips. DDS Reinstatement Fees & Payment, DDS Pauper’s Affidavit rule, Limited permit uses. (dds.georgia.gov)

These three moves cover crisis medical rides, sudden work‑day emergencies, and a stuck license. Call to confirm details before you go. DCH NEMT, Georgia Commute Options, DDS Reinstatement Help. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

Keep this box handy in your phone notes. It covers statewide and regional help that opens doors quickly. United Way GA directory, ADRC FAQs, WorkSource local areas. (unitedwayga.org)

How Transportation Help Works in Georgia

Start with the ride that matches your need for today. Medical rides flow through Medicaid/PeachCare brokers. Commute rides come from transit agencies and employer programs. Training rides come through SNAP E&T or WorkSource. DCH Medicaid NEMT, Georgia Commute Options, DFCS SNAP Works. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

Expect wait times and paperwork. Non‑urgent Medicaid rides must be booked three workdays ahead. GRH rides require registration and trip logging first. SNAP E&T pays small fixed amounts unless DFCS buys your pass. NEMT FAQs and timelines, GRH steps, SNAP E&T policy. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

If the first door says “no,” try a second angle the same day. Ask your clinic social worker about gas vouchers, check 211 for local churches doing passes, and call your Area Agency on Aging if you or your child has a disability. 211 online, ADRC contact, GNESA/GCADV resources. (unitedwayatlanta.org)

Quick Program Comparison Table

Program What it pays Who qualifies How fast it moves How to apply/contact
Medicaid/PeachCare NEMT Free medical rides, transit tokens/passes, gas reimbursement Medicaid members; PeachCare for Kids members have NEMT through plan (check your plan) Non‑urgent: book 3 workdays ahead; urgent within hours Verida 404‑209‑4000 (ATL)/1‑866‑388‑9844 (North); Modivcare 1‑888‑224‑7981/‑7988/‑7985 NEMT details, PeachCare ride info (PSHP). (medicaid.georgia.gov)
SNAP Works (E&T) 25upfrontmonth1,25 upfront month 1, 50/mo reimbursement, or DFCS‑arranged transit up to $200/mo SNAP recipients in approved E&T After enrollment and attendance verification Ask DFCS/SNAP Works provider; call 1‑877‑423‑4746 SNAP E&T policy, SNAP Works. (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)
TANF Work Support Program (WSP) $200/month cash supplement up to 12 months; TSS can pay work‑related transport TANF applicant/recipient who becomes employed and chooses WSP Starts after employment verification Ask your DFCS worker; note WSP counts are time‑limited TANF WSP policy, Apply TANF. (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)
WorkSource Georgia (WIOA) Bus passes, mileage, emergency auto repair (local policy) Adults, dislocated workers, eligible youth in WIOA training Varies by local area; usually after intake Contact your local WorkSource office WorkSource GA, Supportive services guidance. (tcsg.edu)
Guaranteed Ride Home Free Uber/home ride in emergencies for registered clean commuters Metro Atlanta commuters logged with GCO Same day after redemption Use MyGCO app or site GRH how‑to, GCO home. (gacommuteoptions.com)

How to Schedule Medicaid/PeachCare Rides Today

Start with the broker for your county. Verida handles the Atlanta region and the North region. Modivcare handles Central, East, and Southwest. Keep your member ID, date of birth, pickup and drop‑off addresses, appointment time, clinic name, and return time ready. NEMT program page, NEMT FAQs, DCH contact. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the DCH Member Contact Center at 1‑866‑211‑0950 to report problems or ask for help. If you’re denied, ask for the reason in writing and request an appeal. For urgent care, call the broker back and ask for the urgent process. NEMT FAQs and complaint contacts, DCH program page, DCH main site. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

Can SNAP or TANF Help Pay for Work and Training Rides?

Yes. If you enroll in SNAP Works (Employment & Training), DFCS can cover small but steady transportation costs or buy you monthly transit passes while you participate. If you move from TANF cash aid into work, you may be eligible for a monthly supplement and transitional support that includes rides. SNAP Works overview, SNAP E&T transportation policy, TANF Work Support Program policy. (dfcs.georgia.gov)

  • SNAP Works amounts: DFCS can issue 25upfrontinmonthone,25 upfront in month one, 50 per month reimbursement, or buy arranged transportation such as a monthly pass up to $200 per month while you meet attendance. You can’t get both a cash reimbursement and a purchased pass the same month. Policy details, SNAP Works contacts, SNAP Works plan. (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)
  • TANF Work Support Program (WSP): If you take a job and choose WSP, DFCS can pay $200/month for up to 12 months and offer Transitional Support Services (TSS) for work‑related costs like extra transportation. This helps you leave TANF and keep working. WSP policy, Apply for TANF, TANF rules (income/resources). (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)
  • WorkSource Georgia (WIOA): During approved job training, your local WorkSource area can help with bus passes, mileage, or even emergency auto repair when that’s the most economical way to keep you in training. Decisions are case‑by‑case and follow local policy. WorkSource GA, WIOA supportive services guidelines, Policies & Guidance. (tcsg.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your case manager to document a “transportation barrier” and request the purchased‑pass option if reimbursement is too slow. If denied, file a case complaint and call 2‑1‑1 to find nonprofits that issue gas or transit cards. SNAP Works contacts, 211 overview, GCAA (Community Action) directory. (dfcs.georgia.gov)

Metro Atlanta Transit Options and Discounts

Your main systems are MARTA trains/buses, Xpress commuter coaches, CobbLinc, and Ride Gwinnett. You can pay with a Breeze Card or Breeze Mobile 2 app; free timed transfers work across regional partners when you use Breeze. Monthly pass pricing matters if you ride daily. MARTA Fare Programs, Breeze Mobile 2 app, Ride Gwinnett fares. (itsmarta.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your budget still won’t stretch, ask your DFCS or WorkSource case manager to buy a monthly pass under supportive services. Register with GCO to unlock GRH and commuter incentives. SNAP E&T policy, WorkSource GA, GCO how to earn. (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)

Transit Fare Snapshots in Georgia’s Cities

System One‑way Day/Week Monthly Notes
MARTA (ATL) $2.50 9day/9 day / 23.75 week $95 Reduced Fare for seniors/disabled via Reduced Fare Breeze Card
Xpress 3(Green)/3 (Green) / 4 (Blue) 10‑trip 25/25/35 130/130/180 Express commuter coaches; GRH eligible
CobbLinc $2.50 — — Senior/Medicare 1local;Paratransit1 local; Paratransit 4
Ride Gwinnett $2.50 local — $80 Microtransit $3 per ride
Chatham Area Transit (Savannah) $1.50 3day/3 day / 14 week $50 Free downtown DOT shuttle and Savannah Belles Ferry
Macon‑Bibb Transit (MTA) $1.25 $12 week $50 Transfers 0.50;Paratransit0.50; Paratransit 2.50
Augusta Transit $1.25 $15 week $50 Discount fares for seniors, students, disabled

Check each site for reduced fares and ID rules; prices can change. MARTA fares, Xpress fares, CobbLinc fares. (itsmarta.com)

For Savannah, Macon, and Augusta, confirm before you buy; fares and pass rules vary by city. Chatham Area Transit – Fares, Macon‑Bibb MTA fares, Augusta Transit fares. (catchacat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic or school for a monthly pass referral; many hospitals and colleges bulk‑buy transit passes. If you’re in training, ask WorkSource or SNAP E&T to purchase a pass. WorkSource GA, SNAP E&T policy, CAT reduced fare. (tcsg.edu)

Rural and Small‑City Ride Options (Section 5311)

More counties now have general public transit through GDOT’s 5311 program. These are call‑ahead, shared‑ride vans that go county‑to‑county for work, shopping, and medical visits. Book at least 24 hours ahead. GDOT Transit Programs, Statewide maps, ADRC local help. (dot.ga.gov)

  • Coastal Regional Coaches (10 coastal counties): Typical base fare shows as 5one‑wayinsidecountyand+5 one‑way inside county and +5 per county line; some county pages show $3 per boarding. Hours usually Mon‑Fri 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; toll‑free 1‑866‑543‑6744; reserve 24 hours ahead. Confirm your exact fare when you call. Coastal RC transportation, Reservations, Bryan County transit page. (coastalrc.ga.gov)
  • Southwest Georgia Regional Transit (14 counties): 3in‑county,3 in‑county, 5 out‑of‑county under 50 miles, 10for50–100miles,10 for 50–100 miles, 15 100+ miles; frequent rider and senior discounts; call 1‑833‑799‑7433. SW Georgia Regional Transit, ADRC directory, United Way CSRA 211. (swgrc.org)
  • Hall Area Transit WeGo (Gainesville/Hall County): On‑demand shared rides via app or call 770‑503‑3333; typical daytime rides have low wait times; evenings may cost more after 6:30 p.m. Check current hours and fares. WeGo info, WeGo hours/fares update, Local news on fares. (gainesville.org)

Use 2‑1‑1 or ADRC to find the call‑ahead number for your county. Bring exact fare cash or ask about prepaid ride cards. 211, ADRC, GDOT rural transit. (unitedwayatlanta.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask DFCS or WorkSource to buy ride tickets; ask your clinic for gas vouchers. If you have Medicaid, see if NEMT will reimburse mileage when public transit is not practical. SNAP E&T policy, WorkSource GA, NEMT overview. (pamms.dhs.ga.gov)

Fast How‑To Tables

Documents You’ll Usually Need for Transportation Help

Situation Bring these documents
Medicaid/PeachCare ride Member ID, date of birth, pickup/drop‑off address, clinic name, appointment time
SNAP E&T or TANF WSP Photo ID, DFCS case number, proof of training or job hours, attendance sheet
WorkSource training Photo ID, proof of residence, income verification, training acceptance letter, bank info for reimbursement
Reduced transit fare Proof of age 65+, disability proof or Medicare card, photo ID
Paratransit eligibility Medical certification or ADA eligibility forms, photo ID

Confirm exact paperwork with your agency. NEMT FAQs, SNAP Works, MARTA Reduced Fare. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

Typical Timelines and Waits

Program Timeline to expect
Medicaid NEMT Non‑urgent: request ≥3 workdays ahead; urgent care window within hours
SNAP E&T transport Paid month‑by‑month after attendance (reimbursement) or DFCS buys your pass
TANF WSP/TSS Monthly after employment verification; lasts up to 12 months
WorkSource After intake and training approval; timing varies by local office
GRH (Metro ATL) Ride unlocks after you register and log a clean commute in app

Always call to confirm current availability; funding and rules can change mid‑year. NEMT FAQs, SNAP E&T policy, GCO GRH. (medicaid.georgia.gov)

Help With Cars, Repairs, and Licenses

Some nonprofits give targeted help with gas cards, car repairs, or even car payments when work is at stake. These funds are tight and vary by county, so call first and be ready with your pay stub and repair estimate. United Way 211, GCAA – local agencies, ADRC help lines. (unitedwayatlanta.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your WorkSource case manager whether emergency auto repair is allowed; if not, look for short‑term transit + child care adjustments so you can keep working while you save for repairs. WIOA supportive services, WorkSource GA, 211. (wioaplans.ed.gov)

School Transportation When You’re Unhoused or Displaced

If you’re staying with friends/family or in shelter, your child has rights under the McKinney‑Vento Act to get transportation to the school of origin if it’s in their best interest. Contact your district homeless liaison to set this up quickly. GA DOE McKinney‑Vento page, APS Homeless Education, Fulton Schools McKinney‑Vento. (gadoe.org)

Ask your school social worker for the liaison’s number; expect the school and district to coordinate transport without delay. If there are disputes, the child should still get transport while the dispute is resolved. Fulton Schools policy, Miller County policy example, Northeast Georgia contacts. (fultonschools.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Email the state coordinator and copy the principal; ask 211 for local legal aid if needed. State contact (GA DOE), United Way 211, Georgia Victim/Legal networks. (gadoe.org)

Safety, Crisis, and Survivor Transportation

If you need to leave a dangerous situation, call a confidential hotline; advocates can arrange safe transport to shelter. Many shelters provide rides, gas vouchers, or partner with rideshare for safety moves. GCADV hotline 1‑800‑33‑HAVEN, GCADV resources, GNESA sexual assault centers. (gcadv.org)

If you have hearing or speech disabilities and need to call for help or make appointments, use Georgia Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1; Customer Care is 1‑866‑694‑5824 (Voice/TTY). Georgia Relay home, Customer Care & numbers, Public Service Commission TRS info. (georgiarelay.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the hotline to call a partner program in another county; they can coordinate transport across regions. For non‑emergency medical needs, call your NEMT broker to reschedule a safe pickup. GCADV shelter locator, NEMT overview, United Way 211. (gcadv.org)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Tips and Contacts

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: You have the same right to service and safety. Ask your transit system or DFCS office for Title VI and ADA contacts if you face bias. Use Georgia Commute Options to unlock GRH rides, and ask your clinic social worker to arrange safe, gender‑affirming transport if needed. Georgia Commute Options, MARTA fares/Title VI, GCADV resources. (itsmarta.com)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call ADRC to find local paratransit and caregiver ride options; apply for MARTA Mobility or your city’s ADA paratransit. Ask Medicaid about NEMT with child safety seats if needed. ADRC contact, MARTA Mobility fares, NEMT FAQs. (aging.georgia.gov)
  • Veteran single mothers: Use VA’s Veterans Transportation Service or DAV vans for clinic trips; ask about beneficiary travel reimbursement. Pair VA rides with local transit or paratransit for child pickups. Atlanta VA VTS contacts, DAV vans (Atlanta), DAV network. (va.gov)
  • Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can use 2‑1‑1 in many languages and request interpreters for DFCS/Medicaid calls; ask brokers to note your language needs on your NEMT profile. If safety is a concern, GCADV has multilingual support. United Way 211, NEMT program, GCADV resources. (unitedwayatlanta.org)
  • Tribal members and Native families: Ask your health plan and the VA/IHS networks about ride benefits tied to medical care; some plans cover pharmacy trips. If living in Georgia away from tribal lands, use ADRC for disability transport and WorkSource for training rides. ADRC contact, WorkSource GA, NEMT overview. (aging.georgia.gov)
  • Rural single moms: Book call‑ahead 5311 rides at least 24 hours in advance; ask for work‑hour pickups and standing orders. If costs add up, ask SNAP E&T or WorkSource to purchase monthly ride books. GDOT 5311, SW GA Regional Transit, SNAP E&T policy. (dot.ga.gov)
  • Single fathers: Most programs are household‑based, not gender‑based. Use the same steps: NEMT for medical, GRH for commutes, SNAP/WorkSource for training. NEMT, GCO, WorkSource. (medicaid.georgia.gov)
  • Language access and TTY: Use 7‑1‑1 for Georgia Relay; ask DFCS and health plans for free interpreter services; 2‑1‑1 also supports bilingual text and online chat. Georgia Relay, Relay Customer Care, United Way 211. (georgiarelay.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to the agency’s ADA/Title VI coordinator; document dates, times, and names. Ask 2‑1‑1 for legal aid if you need help asserting your rights. United Way 211, ADRC, GA Victim Network hotlines. (unitedwayatlanta.org)

Resources by Region (Selected)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality check: Peak‑hour capacity, construction (like at Five Points), and funding cycles can slow things down. Build a backup: hold a small stored‑value on your Breeze Card, keep $5 cash for a county van, and save the broker’s “Where’s My Ride” number. MARTA construction news, Breeze Card info, NEMT FAQs. (axios.com)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Application Checklist You Can Screenshot

If Your Application Gets Denied

Real‑World Examples

Troubleshooting the MARTA Breeze Card/App

If a faregate doesn’t open after you tap the Breeze Mobile 2 barcode, ask the station agent for help and keep a backup plastic Breeze Card with stored value. Update the app and switch from Wi‑Fi to data if a purchase won’t process. MARTA how‑to ride and fares, Breeze Mobile 2 app, Breeze Card info. (itsmarta.com)

If problems repeat, call MARTA Customer Service at 404‑848‑5000 and ask for a replacement card or product review. Keep your transaction receipts. MARTA fare programs/contact, Breeze FAQs, MARTA apps. (itsmarta.com)

County‑Level Differences You Should Know

Rural fares and hours vary by region and can change mid‑year as funding shifts. Coastal Regional Coaches and some counties post slightly different in‑county fare amounts; always confirm the current fare for your trip. Coastal RC transportation, Bryan County transit page, GDOT transit. (coastalrc.ga.gov)

Transit pass pricing and transfer rules differ between MARTA, Xpress, CobbLinc, and Ride Gwinnett. If you transfer between systems, use Breeze (not cash) to qualify for free transfers where available. MARTA fare programs, Ride Gwinnett transfer rules, CobbLinc fares. (itsmarta.com)

FAQs (Georgia‑Specific)

  1. Can Medicaid pay for pharmacy trips: Yes, NEMT can cover prescription pickups when medically necessary; schedule through your broker and ask about gas reimbursement if you drive. NEMT overview, NEMT FAQs, Peach State info. (medicaid.georgia.gov)
  2. Does PeachCare for Kids include rides: Many plans include NEMT for PeachCare members; Peach State lists Verida 1‑800‑657‑9965; check your plan materials. Peach State (PeachCare) transportation, PeachCare program, Amerigroup PeachCare transportation. (pshpgeorgia.com)
  3. How do I get a reduced fare: For MARTA, bring ID and documentation for age/disability/Medicare; visit the Reduced Fare office at MARTA HQ during the Five Points construction. Reduced Fare program, MARTA fares, Axios update. (itsmarta.com)
  4. Can WIOA pay for emergency car repair: Yes, if it’s the most economical way to keep you in training and local policy allows it; you must be enrolled and approved. WIOA supportive services (State Plan), WorkSource GA, Policies & Guidance. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
  5. How fast is GRH after I register: You need to log at least one clean commute; then you can redeem a ride in the app, and staff will schedule your Uber. GRH steps, MyGCO article, Downtown Connects. (gacommuteoptions.com)
  6. What is the cheapest monthly pass in Metro ATL: MARTA 30‑day is 95;RideGwinnettlocalmonthlyis95; Ride Gwinnett local monthly is 80; Xpress monthly varies by zone (130/130/180). MARTA fares, Ride Gwinnett fares, Xpress fares. (itsmarta.com)
  7. Can I get a ride if I use a wheelchair: Yes—ask your transit agency or broker for a wheelchair‑accessible vehicle; all 5311 providers and paratransit systems accommodate mobility devices. NEMT FAQs, MARTA Mobility, Coastal Coaches FAQ. (medicaid.georgia.gov)
  8. What if my license was suspended for child support: Reinstatement by mail is 25(vs25 (vs 35 in person); check if the Pauper’s Affidavit applies; ask about a limited permit while you resolve it. DDS child support reinstatement, DDS fees, Pauper’s Affidavit rule. (childsupport.georgia.gov)
  9. How do I reach VA transportation: Call your VA facility’s Veterans Transportation Service 10–14 days ahead or the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator; Atlanta VA 1‑800‑224‑4087, DAV vans 404‑431‑6032. Atlanta VA contact, DAV vans (Atlanta), VTS locations. (va.gov)
  10. Where do I report ADA or language access issues: Start with your agency’s ADA/Title VI coordinator; for phone access, use Georgia Relay 7‑1‑1 or Customer Care 1‑866‑694‑5824. Georgia Relay home, Relay Customer Care, PSC TRS. (georgiarelay.org)

Final Tips Before You Apply

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen en español se generó con herramientas de traducción de IA. Verifique la información con las páginas oficiales enlazadas.

  • Viajes médicos: Si tiene Medicaid o PeachCare for Kids, puede programar transporte médico no urgente con Verida (Atlanta 404‑209‑4000 / Norte 1‑866‑388‑9844) o Modivcare (Centro 1‑888‑224‑7981 / Este 1‑888‑224‑7988 / Suroeste 1‑888‑224‑7985). NEMT Georgia, NEMT preguntas, PeachCare.
  • Trabajo y capacitación: SNAP Works puede pagar 25elprimermesy25 el primer mes y 50/mes o comprarle un pase (hasta $200/mes); WorkSource Georgia puede ayudar con pases o reparación de auto durante la capacitación. SNAP Works, Política de transporte SNAP, WorkSource GA.
  • Emergencias de traslado: Regístrese en Guaranteed Ride Home para obtener viajes gratis de regreso a casa cuando use MARTA/Xpress/carpool y surja una emergencia. GRH, GCO, Xpress GRH.
  • Asistencia local: Llame al 2‑1‑1 para recursos cercanos (vales de gasolina, pases de bus) y al ADRC 1‑866‑552‑4464 para transporte por discapacidad. United Way 211, ADRC, Directorio ADRC.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

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.

Disclaimer

This content is general information for Georgia residents and is not personalized legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Program terms, fares, and eligibility change often; always confirm with the agency, plan, or transit provider before you act. If you’re in danger, call 9‑1‑1. For mental health crisis support, call or text 9‑8‑8. For domestic violence support, call 1‑800‑33‑HAVEN. DCH NEMT, United Way 211, GCADV hotline.

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