Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Maryland

Where to start

Choose the door that matches the trip. Do not ask only for a transportation grant. Say where you need to go, why the trip matters, when it is scheduled, and why normal transportation does not work.

Maryland transportation quick reference

Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation

Maryland Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, often called NEMT, helps qualified Medicaid members reach medically necessary, Medicaid-covered care. The state NEMT office oversees the program, but local jurisdictions arrange and screen rides.

In general, the program is for a person with eligible full Medicaid coverage who has no other reasonable way to reach covered care. Transportation is normally to the closest appropriate provider. A qualifying HealthChoice member may be transported to a participating provider allowed under the state rules.

Use the health department directory to find your county or Baltimore City contact. Call before the appointment. Maryland does not use one statewide advance-notice rule for every county, so ask how many business days your local office requires.

Information the ride office may request

• Your Medicaid identification information and county.
• The provider’s name, address, phone number, and appointment time.
• The medical service and whether it is Medicaid covered.
• Why a car, household driver, regular bus, or other ride is unavailable.
• Mobility equipment, an approved escort, or other access needs.
• Whether a driver could qualify for mileage reimbursement.

If health coverage is inactive or unclear, use ASMOM’s Maryland health guide before depending on a ride.

MDOT MTA fares and transit discounts

In the Baltimore region, the current MDOT MTA fare page lists a $2 full-fare single trip, $4.60 day pass, $22 weekly pass, and $77 monthly pass for local bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway. Senior and disability fares include a $1 single trip and $23 monthly pass when the rider has accepted proof.

Children age 12 and under ride free on MDOT MTA local bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway. This does not mean every transit system in Maryland uses the same child fare.

The CharmPass app sells single rides and passes and gives a 120-minute free transfer window on core services. Riders without a smartphone can use cash or buy products at ticket machines, the Transit Store, or approved vendors, depending on the fare.

Metro Lift for SNAP households

Maryland residents with active SNAP may qualify for Metro Lift. The program gives 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips for enrolled household members. It does not discount pass products or MetroAccess. You need eligible SNAP proof and a SmarTrip card for each person enrolled.

Fare-free and local transit examples

Transit rules are local. Check routes and service hours before planning work, school, or child care around a bus.

Other counties use their own bus, shuttle, demand-response, or taxi-voucher programs. Call 211 or your county transportation office when the systems above do not cover your area.

Disability and paratransit help

MobilityLink is MDOT MTA’s shared paratransit service for people whose disability prevents them from independently reaching, boarding, riding, or leaving fixed-route transit. It serves covered parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County near MTA local routes and rail stations.

The current one-way MobilityLink fare is $2.20 for an eligible rider and guest. An approved personal care attendant rides free. Riders must apply, obtain health-care-provider information, and complete the certification process.

If MobilityLink denies or limits eligibility, the rider may appeal within 60 days of the determination letter. The MTA forms page provides Mobility and appeal forms.

Outside the Baltimore service area, ask the county transit agency about ADA paratransit, demand-response trips, taxi access, travel training, or disability transportation. Maryland Access Point helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find transportation and other community support. Call 1-844-627-5465.

ASMOM’s disability help guide covers related benefits and advocacy paths.

Transportation for work and training

Maryland’s Temporary Cash Assistance program may connect participants with transportation needed for work activities. The state’s transportation assistance page explains that transportation is a major employment barrier for TANF families. The exact support is handled through local plans and case management.

If you receive TCA, ask whether your Family Independence Plan can include a bus pass, gas help, mileage, a car-program referral, or another transportation service. Do not wait until after missing a required activity. Bring the work schedule, training dates, child care hours, route problem, and cost.

ASMOM’s Maryland TCA guide explains the cash and work program. If child care location or hours are causing the problem, use the Maryland child care guide.

People who do not receive TCA can contact a Maryland Job Center. Job centers provide employment and training services, and some programs have supportive services for participants. Bus passes, gas cards, and mileage are not automatic, so ask what the specific program can pay.

Car programs and commute backup

Vehicles for Change

The Maryland Keys to Independence program from Vehicles for Change provides lower-cost vehicles to some working households. It does not accept direct applications. A participating workforce or community agency must make the referral.

Current basics include Maryland residency, a Maryland driver’s license, at least 30 work hours each week or a verified job offer, no vehicle in the applicant’s name, an acceptable driving record, income eligibility, and the ability to obtain insurance. The listed program cost is about $950 to $1,000, plus title, registration, tags, insurance, fuel, and future repairs. Vehicle supply and wait time vary.

Guaranteed Ride Home

Commuter Connections runs Guaranteed Ride Home in covered parts of the Washington and Baltimore regions. It is for registered workers who regularly commute by transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, biking, or another approved alternative. It can provide a ride home for certain unexpected personal emergencies or unscheduled overtime. It is not a daily ride to work.

Insurance and ownership costs

Before accepting a car, price the full monthly cost. Maryland requires continuous insurance on registered vehicles. The MVA insurance page explains the state requirement. Include fuel, tolls, parking, repairs, registration, child seats, and missed-work risk in your budget.

What to have ready

You will not need every item for every program. Keep copies of anything you submit.

ASMOM’s documents checklist gives a longer benefits-application list.

Related Maryland help

Transportation problems often come from a larger budget gap. ASMOM’s Maryland SNAP guide may reduce grocery costs. The Maryland housing guide and Maryland utility guide cover rent, shelter, and energy help.

For local nonprofits and county support, use the Maryland community guide. Work on the ride problem and the household budget as two separate lists.