Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Rachel

Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you clear, step‑by‑step options to get a ride today, keep trips affordable this month, and build a long‑term transportation plan in Tennessee. You’ll find quick contacts, low‑fare transit, medical ride options, gas and repair help tied to work programs, rural services, and county‑specific tips—all linked directly so you can act fast.

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If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

• Call your health plan for a same‑day medical ride through the TennCare Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation system; use the plan’s number on your card or the state list for 24‑72 hour rules and urgent exceptions via the official TennCare transportation page, then save the contacts for your specific plan like BlueCare via Verida, UnitedHealthcare via Tennessee Carriers, or Wellpoint via Tennessee Carriers. (tn.gov)
• Book the cheapest immediate public ride available in your city: use WeGo QuickTicket fare capping in Nashville, *MATA’s $1fixed‑routefare\ast and$1.25 microtransit in Memphis, or KAT’s $1farewithkatpaycaps\ast inKnoxville;forChattanooga,check\ast CARTA’s$1.50 cash fare or the free Downtown Shuttle if it matches your trip. (wegotransit.com)
• If you live outside a big city, call the rural public transit for your region now: Mid‑Cumberland Public Transit, ETHRA Public Transit, UCHRA Public Transportation, or NET Trans all schedule low‑cost, curb‑to‑curb rides, usually $2–$3 in‑county; ask for the first available pick‑up. (mchra.com)

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Quick Help Box – Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• TennCare Connect main line: 1-855-259-0701 via the TennCare Contact page for help with eligibility, appeals, and app support; use the TennCare NEMT page for ride scheduling numbers by plan and “Where’s My Ride” options. (tn.gov)
• Nashville transit phone: 1-615-862-5950 for WeGo Customer Care; check QuickTicket fare caps and WeGo Access ($3.70paratransit)or\ast AccessOnDemand\ast (from$5 with subsidy). (quicktickettn.com)
• Memphis transit phone: 1-901-274-6282 for MATA route help; see $1busfare\ast ,\ast GrooveOn‑Demand$1.25, and MATAplus paratransit $2. (matatransit.com)
• Knoxville transit phone: 1-865-637-3000 for KAT service info; use katpay caps (never more than $2/day)and\ast TheLIFT\ast paratransit($2). (katbus.com)
• Chattanooga transit phone: 1-423-629-1473 for CARTA info; check $1.50fare\ast ,\ast Care‑A‑Van$3, and Token Transit mobile pay. (gocarta.org)

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How to Get a Ride Today in Tennessee

Start with the fastest option you qualify for. Use the official links below so you can book within minutes and avoid hidden fees.

When your trip is medical, call your plan’s ride broker right away through the state’s TennCare transportation page, then pick the right phone line for BlueCare via Verida, UnitedHealthcare via Tennessee Carriers, or Wellpoint via Tennessee Carriers; ask for urgent‑need scheduling if the doctor confirms urgency. (tn.gov)

If you’re in Nashville, pay with QuickTicket to unlock the $2 two‑hour pass and day/month caps, then combine WeGo Link vouchers to connect to bus stops or use WeGo Access if you have ADA eligibility; WeGo also added weekend Access On Demand hours in 2025. (wegotransit.com)

Memphis riders can board $1buses,book\ast GrooveOn‑Demand\ast for$1.25 in service zones, or use MATAplus if disabled and eligible; call or check the MATA Fares page for updates during weather alerts. (matatransit.com)

Knoxville riders can switch to katpay caps (never more than $2/dayor$30/month) in the Transit app and request The LIFT ($2) for ADA rides; see KAT’s Fares page for current caps and passes. (katbus.com)

Chattanooga riders can pay $1.50cashfares,buypasseswith\ast TokenTransit\ast ,orschedule\ast Care‑A‑Van\ast ADAservice($3–$3.50 by zone); the free Downtown Shuttle runs every 10 minutes most days. (gocarta.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try your regional rural system—Mid‑Cumberland, ETHRA, UCHRA, NET Trans—and ask for same‑day or next‑day; then call 211 Tennessee for local gas cards or bus pass help, and check Catholic Charities Nashville emergency assistance for bus passes if funding is open. (mchra.com)

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TennCare Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Start here for rides to any covered visit, pharmacy pick‑up tied to the visit, or hospital discharge when approved.

TennCare states on its NEMT page that rides are available to all members without transportation and must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance; for urgent appointments, the call center confirms with your provider and can still schedule the trip. Use the specific lines for BlueCare/TennCare Select via Verida, UnitedHealthcare via Tennessee Carriers, or Wellpoint via Tennessee Carriers, and ask for “Where’s My Ride” if a driver is late. (tn.gov)

Bring the basics when you call: the member’s name and birth date, your TennCare ID, pick‑up address, appointment time, and your provider’s full address and phone number; check the TennCare contact page for general help and medical/eligibility appeals if service is denied or delayed. (tn.gov)

If you receive a denial on medical necessity or a missed‑ride claim, you can file a medical appeal by phone, fax, or the online portal using the TennCare Medical Appeals instructions; expedited appeals resolve in about a week when waiting would pose a serious risk. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic if they use ride partners like Uber Health or non‑profit shuttles, and call the TennCare Advocacy Program via TennCare Contact for help; document every call and keep appointment letters. Veterans can also request DAV vans or VA Veteran Transportation Service when eligible. (tn.gov)

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Cheapest Public Transit Options in Tennessee’s Big Cities

Use fare caps and reduced‑fare IDs to cut costs fast. Tap the app options many agencies now support.

• Nashville: Pay with QuickTicket so you never exceed $4/dayor$65/month; WeGo Link gives up to $8offmanyUberconnectorrides,oftenmakingyourshareabout$2; ADA riders pay $3.70for\ast WeGoAccess\ast ,and\ast AccessOnDemand\ast startsat$5 with WeGo covering up to the next $30. WeGo announced further service frequency improvements in July 2025 and expanded weekend Access On Demand service in May 2025. (wegotransit.com)
• Memphis: Fixed‑route bus cash fare is $1;microtransitis$1.25 on Groove On‑Demand; ADA MATAplus is $2inthefixed‑routearea;trolleybasefareis$1 with day passes at $2; MATA posts reduced‑fare rules and transit center hours online. (matatransit.com)
• Knoxville: Base fare is $1with\ast katpay\ast capsguaranteeingyouwon’tpaymorethan$2/day or $30in30days;\ast TheLIFT\ast paratransitis$2 per trip; KAT ended paper tickets in January 2025 and now uses the Transit app and katpay card. (katbus.com)
• Chattanooga: CARTA cash fare is $1.50,mobilepayrunsthrough\ast TokenTransit\ast ,and\ast Care‑A‑Van\ast ADAparatransitis$3–$3.50byzone;\ast CARTAGO\ast is$2 on‑demand; the Downtown Shuttle is free every 10 minutes most days. (gocarta.org)
• Jackson (Madison County): JTA adult fare is $1.25withtransfersfree;TheLiftADAparatransitis$2.50 each way; buy mobile passes in Token Transit. (ridejta.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for reduced‑fare IDs at your system’s main center (seniors, Medicare card holders, and many disabilities qualify), look for temporary promotions or ozone‑day discounts like MATA’s 25‑cent ozone alerts, and check your employer’s commuter benefits or VanStar vanpools for longer commutes. (matatransit.com)

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Quick Fare Comparison Table (Major Systems)

Source pages: WeGo Fare Information, MATA Fares, KAT Fares, CARTA Fares, JTA Fares. Always confirm current fares before travel. Amounts may vary if promotions or service changes occur. (wegotransit.com)

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Rural and Regional Ride Options (Curb‑to‑Curb and Zone‑Based)

Rural ride programs are often the quickest low‑cost way to reach work, child care, court, or health care when you live far from fixed routes.

Most programs offer pick‑up at your door, typical $2–$3 in‑county fares, and a small fee per county line crossed. Book by phone a day in advance when possible; ask about same‑day openings.

• Middle Tennessee counties: Mid‑Cumberland Public Transit serves 12 counties with $2–$3 in‑county trips and flat $10–$15 to Nashville from many towns; call 1-800-945-4125 to schedule. (mchra.com)
• East Tennessee: ETHRA Public Transit runs $3in‑countyeachwayand$3 per county line crossed, with one escort free; schedule at 1-800-232-1565. (ethra.org)
• Upper Cumberland (14 counties): UCHRA Public Transportation runs fixed routes (“Go Routes”) and on‑demand; many Go Routes are currently fare‑free; call 1-833-UC‑TRIPS. (uchra.org)
• Northeast/Tri‑Cities: NET Trans covers the First Tennessee region with weekday operations and a toll‑free scheduler at 1-800-528-7776; there’s also a mobile app. (nettrans.org)
• South Central TN (13 counties): SCATS and The Connection (SCTDD) provide deviated routes and demand rides; use 1-833-806‑SCAT for county contacts. (sctdd.org)
• Northwest TN: Northwest TN HRA Public Transit is listed on the TDOT Office of Public Transportation provider roster; call your local HRA office for hours and fares. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 Tennessee to ask for gas cards, volunteer driver groups, or church shuttles near you; ask your American Job Center about mileage reimbursement or bus passes tied to job services; check TDOT HELP if you’re stranded on an interstate in a patrol zone. (uwtn.org)

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Regional Providers at a Glance

Fares and availability can change based on county funding and driver availability; call to confirm current rates before booking. (mchra.com)

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Work Transportation You Can Actually Use This Month

Tie your ride to an active benefit or job program so miles, bus passes, or repairs can be covered.

• Families First (TANF): Tennessee’s Families First program can provide transportation supports when you’re meeting your 30‑hour work/training plan; apply online through the TDHS portal or at your county office; interviews are usually scheduled within 10 days of your completed application. Use the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287. (tn.gov)
• SNAP Employment & Training: If you receive SNAP and not TANF, SNAP E&T can reimburse job‑related costs like bus passes, mileage, or tools while you train; connect through your county’s American Job Center or the state page. (tn.gov)
• WIOA job training: If you’re starting short‑term training, the WIOA program can issue supportive services like bus passes; check eligibility and contact your nearest American Job Center. (lwdsupport.tn.gov)
• Vanpools for commuters: For longer commutes, VanStar vanpools cut fuel and parking costs and include a Guaranteed Ride Home; the WeGo Vanpool page links directly to VanStar. (wegotransit.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your caseworker to list transportation supports in your Individual Opportunity Plan; if funding is out, request a referral to a TANF Community Partner, search 211, or ask your AJC about short‑term gas/mileage support. (tn.gov)

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Work Transportation Programs — Quick Reference

Always ask for the policy in writing, including what documents and receipts you must submit each month. (tn.gov)

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Car Ownership, Donation, and Repair Options—Without Predatory Traps

If your job hours or child‑care schedule do not match bus or rural transit, a reliable car may be the only practical choice. Use programs with real placement and avoid “buy‑here pay‑here” lots with sky‑high rates.

• Goodwill Wheels‑to‑Work (Middle Tennessee): Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee accepts donated vehicles; good‑condition cars may be placed with working participants through Wheels‑to‑Work; news outlets often announce placements in Jackson and Fayetteville. Apply through Goodwill and ask your Families First/SNAP E&T caseworker for referral letters to strengthen your application. (giveit2goodwill.org)
• Community and faith partners: Ask 211 Tennessee for local church repair funds or bus pass programs; Catholic Charities Nashville emergency assistance sometimes provides short‑term help (bus/gas) when funded. (uwtn.org)
• Mileage reimbursement note: If a program reimburses mileage (like some job services), Tennessee’s current state mileage reference in 2025 is $0.70/mile for certain reimbursements; confirm your program’s reimbursement cap and rules. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If no vehicle program is open, ask your AJC about short‑term rental support to start a job, check employer vanpools via VanStar, or use WeGo Link and microtransit to bridge “first/last mile” until you save for a car. (wegotransit.com)

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Diverse Communities: Tailored Transportation Tips and Contacts

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your caseworker for a safe‑place note on your file and request a female driver when possible. Use WeGo Link or Groove On‑Demand to avoid long walks late at night, and report any discrimination through the TennCare Civil Rights page if it happens during a covered ride. Local support like Oasis Center and Tennessee Equality Project can also point you to community‑friendly employers and ride partners.
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Apply for ADA paratransit—WeGo Access in Nashville, MATAplus in Memphis, The LIFT in Knoxville, or Care‑A‑Van in Chattanooga—and ask about subscription rides to regular therapies. TennCare offers free language access and auxiliary aids like large print or Braille through the TennCare Civil Rights pages; call 711 for TTY relay statewide if phone calls are hard. (wegotransit.com)
• Veteran single mothers: Use VA transport where eligible—DAV vans ride to VA facilities and Veterans Transportation Service can schedule trips; contact the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System for your county’s coordinator. If a trip isn’t covered, check your city’s reduced‑fare program and VanStar commuter options for work. (va.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You have a right to a free interpreter for TennCare and many state programs; ask for an interpreter every time and avoid using your child as an interpreter. Catholic Charities at Casa Azafrán in Nashville supports immigrant families, and 211 Tennessee can text in many languages; state agencies publish Language Assistance contacts. (tn.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: If you are a citizen or descendant of a federally recognized tribe, ask 211 for Native‑led organizations near you and check the Indian Health Service Nashville Area listings associated with Tennessee for clinic transport programs; many tribal health programs can coordinate rides for covered care. Use your city’s reduced fares while waiting for IHS or tribal case management appointments.
• Rural single moms with limited access: Call your regional system first (like ETHRA, UCHRA, or Mid‑Cumberland) and ask about recurring ride slots for work shifts. If phones are hard to reach, try early morning calling windows, and request “standing order” rides for dialysis, child care runs, or shift work. (ethra.org)
• Single fathers: Fathers raising kids can use the same programs—Families First transport supports, SNAP E&T, and ADA paratransit—and qualify for reduced fares based on age, disability, or Medicare status; bring ID and proof as required. (tn.gov)
• Language access and accessibility notes: Ask for large‑print forms and TTY/relay when needed; TennCare and state agencies must provide free interpreters and accessible materials. If a clerk refuses, show the TennCare Civil Rights page on your phone and request a supervisor; many departments list Language Assistance contacts online. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a civil rights complaint through TennCare Civil Rights or your agency’s Title VI coordinator, ask 211 to connect you to advocacy groups, and switch to an agency that offers appointments with interpreters or ADA accommodations. (tn.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Tennessee Today

If a shutoff notice affects your family’s safety, you may need a same‑day plan.

• Apply for emergency energy help through LIHEAP at THDA and call your LIHEAP agency to request crisis processing; the FY2025 plan says one‑time benefits range roughly $174–$750 depending on energy burden, and applications will run through local agencies; ask your utility for a hold while your case is pending. (thda.org)
• If water is the issue, the federal LIHWAP ended in 2024, but THDA lists water assistance resources; ask your utility about internal hardship funds while you apply for LIHEAP or seek help via 211. (thda.org)
• Use transit to reach agencies: WeGo, MATA, KAT, or CARTA day passes and caps can keep trips under $2–$4/day while you submit documents at community action offices. (wegotransit.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your caseworker, 211, or your faith community for a one‑time bill pledge, and request a short extension from the utility while the pledge posts; confirm the date and document the promise number. (uwtn.org)

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Resources by Region (Where to Start Locally)

• Nashville & Davidson County: Use WeGo QuickTicket for $4/day caps; connect out‑of‑zone trips with WeGo Link; ADA riders book WeGo Access or Access On Demand; check NDOT updates via city transit events like Ticket to Ride. (wegotransit.com)
• Memphis & Shelby County: Board $1buses,try\ast GrooveOn‑Demand\ast for$1.25, and apply for MATAplus if needed; watch MATA alerts for weather changes and 25‑cent ozone days; transit centers post hours and ID card rules. (matatransit.com)
• Knoxville & Knox County: Switch to katpay to cap daily and monthly costs; use The LIFT for ADA trips and plan with the Transit app or Customer Service; check KAT’s homepage for fare policy changes. (katbus.com)
• Chattanooga & Hamilton County: Cash fare is $1.50on\ast CARTA\ast ;buymobilepasseswith\ast TokenTransit\ast ;ADA\ast Care‑A‑Van\ast costs$3–$3.50; consider the free Downtown Shuttle. (gocarta.org)
• Jackson & Madison County: JTA routes run Monday–Saturday; adult fare $1.25,\ast TheLift\ast$2.50; mobile passes in Token Transit. (ridejta.com)
• Upper East (Tri‑Cities): Use NET Trans for regional rides; the app and call center can book trips; TennCare members keep NEMT numbers on hand. (nettrans.org)
• Upper Cumberland: UCHRA Public Transportation is your first call; check for fare‑free Go Routes in Cookeville, Crossville, Algood, and McMinnville; use the Pick‑Up UC microtransit when available. (uchra.org)
• South Central: Call SCATS/The Connection (SCTDD) for deviated routes and on‑demand; the Mule Town Trolley in Maury County runs $1withdaypassesat$3. (sctdd.org)
• East Rural Counties: ETHRA rides are $3 in‑county with a small per‑county fee; call early to schedule work rides. (ethra.org)
• Northwest TN: Use the TDOT Office of Public Transportation page to find the Northwest HRA Public Transit contact for your county if local numbers are unclear online. (tn.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not asking for fare caps or reduced fares: In Nashville, QuickTicket caps your day and month; in Knoxville, katpay caps daily and 30‑day costs; in Chattanooga, mobile passes through Token Transit can save time; seniors, Medicare cardholders, and many disabilities qualify for half‑fares. (wegotransit.com)
• Skipping 72‑hour NEMT notice: TennCare’s NEMT policy needs three days’ notice for standard trips; if you miss it, ask your provider to verify urgency to the broker. (tn.gov)
• Mailing original documents: TDHS recommends uploading or bringing copies for Families First; mailed originals may not be returned. (tn.gov)
• Assuming rural rides can always do same‑day: Systems like Mid‑Cumberland and ETHRA can try, but you’ll get better times when booked a day ahead. (mchra.com)

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Reality Check: Transit Changes and Waits
Funding levels change. Fares and zones can shift mid‑year. Expect 10–15 minutes of booking time and flexible pick‑up windows for ADA and rural services. Always check the official fare or alert page before you go and call to confirm service on holidays. (gocarta.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• TennCare NEMT phone list by plan and TennCare Contact for appeals. (tn.gov)
• WeGo Fare caps, WeGo Link vouchers, and WeGo Access/Access On Demand. (wegotransit.com)
• MATA fares and Groove On‑Demand $1.25; MATAplus info. (matatransit.com)
• KAT fares and katpay caps; The LIFT paratransit. (katbus.com)
• CARTA fares, Token Transit mobile tickets, Care‑A‑Van hours/fare. (gocarta.org)
• Rural: Mid‑Cumberland, ETHRA, UCHRA, NET Trans, SCTDD/SCATS. (mchra.com)
• Commuters: WeGo Vanpool and VanStar with Guaranteed Ride Home. (wegotransit.com)
• Bills: LIHEAP at THDA for energy shutoffs; 211 Tennessee for local pledges. (thda.org)

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Application Checklist (Printable — screenshot this)

• Photo ID and TennCare or case number: bring your TennCare ID or CaseConnect info and a driver’s license or other photo ID; ask about alternative IDs if needed. (tn.gov)
• Appointment letter or work schedule: print your doctor’s appointment, training class, or work schedule for NEMT or rural proof. (tn.gov)
• Proof of address and phone: utility bill or lease; update addresses in your TennCare Connect or One DHS portals. (tn.gov)
• Disability or Medicare proof for reduced fares: Medicare card or ADA approval for Access, MATAplus, The LIFT, or Care‑A‑Van. (wegotransit.com)
• Child‑care details: include daycare address and pick‑up times for route planning; some rural systems will add child seats if requested in advance (ask).
• Backup payment: carry $2–$4 cash for day caps on QuickTicket or katpay trips; buy value in the app when possible. (wegotransit.com)

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If Your Application Gets Denied

• Medical (NEMT): Call your plan first and request an internal review; then file a medical appeal through TennCare Medical Appeals by phone, fax, or online; ask for an expedited appeal if delay risks your health. Include your denial letter, ride details, and doctor support. (tn.gov)
• TANF/SNAP transport supports: Ask the TDHS supervisor for a case review; bring proof of your training or work hours; use the Family Assistance Service Center and consider switching activities to those with clear transport support. (tn.gov)
• ADA paratransit: If you’re denied eligibility, request the agency’s ADA appeal; use your doctor’s letter and examples of barriers on fixed‑route; check each agency’s ADA handbook or FAQ for deadlines. (wegotransit.com)

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Real‑World Examples

• A Nashville mom booking WeGo Access On Demand for a late pharmacy run pays $5whileWeGocoversuptothenext$30, keeping an urgent pickup affordable; booking can be as little as 15–30 minutes ahead. (wegotransit.com)
• A Memphis parent uses Groove On‑Demand for $1.25toreachachild‑carestopandthentransferstoa$1 bus, spending $2.25 for the morning commute; the same trip by car would cost more in gas and parking. (matatransit.com)
• A Knoxville worker switches to katpay and never pays more than $2/dayor$30 in 30 days, saving $160–$370 per year over cash fares; for twice‑weekly PT, they use The LIFT for $2 trips. (katbus.com)

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Tables You Can Use Fast

ADA Paratransit Snapshot

Always ask for subscription rides for recurring therapies or shifts. (wegotransit.com)

NEMT Phone Reference (TennCare)

Save “Where’s My Ride” options listed in menu prompts. (tn.gov)

Rural Transit Booking Hints

Policies can change; call each office for current rules.

Big‑City Fare Caps and Passes

Confirm in the app or agency page before purchase.

Energy Help When Shutoff Is Imminent

Ask your utility to hold disconnection 24–48 hours while LIHEAP or a pledge is processed.

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What to Do If This Doesn’t Work

• No rides available today: Call 211 Tennessee and ask for bus pass funds, gas cards, or volunteer rides; then ask your regional system to place you on a cancellation list; try a microtransit zone if you’re near one.
• Too many missed rides on ADA or NEMT: Ask for “subscription rides” and set alarms; confirm pick‑up windows; appeal suspensions using the agency’s ADA policy or the health plan’s grievance process.
• Too expensive to commute: Price a VanStar vanpool and compare it to your car’s weekly gas; ask HR about commuter benefits; combine park‑and‑ride lots with bus caps.

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FAQs (Tennessee‑Specific)

• How fast can I schedule a TennCare ride? Standard trips need 72 hours’ notice, but call the plan broker for urgent visits; the broker will verify with your provider; keep appointment info handy from the NEMT page.
• What is the cheapest daily option in Nashville? Use QuickTicket to cap at $4/day;combine\ast WeGoLink\ast forfirst/lastmile;manyLinkridescostridersabout$2 after voucher.
• **Does Memphis still offer $1busfares?\ast \ast Yes,MATAshows$1 adult base fare and $1.25microtransiton\ast GrooveOn‑Demand\ast ;\ast MATAplus\ast is$2 in fixed‑route areas.
• What is katpay in Knoxville? It’s KAT’s fare capping system so you never pay over $2/dayor$30 per 30‑day period; set it up in the Transit app or get a card.
• Can I get paratransit without long walks? If you’re ADA‑eligible, use WeGo Access, MATAplus, The LIFT, or Care‑A‑Van for door‑to‑door travel; most require next‑day booking and allow a personal care attendant.
• I live rural—who do I call? Try Mid‑Cumberland, ETHRA, UCHRA, NET Trans, or SCTDD/SCATS based on your county; fares are usually $2–$3 in‑county.
• Are there vanpools for longer commutes? Yes—VanStar partners with WeGo; participants get a Guaranteed Ride Home; state workers get parking perks.
• What if my utility shutoff is tomorrow? Apply for LIHEAP at THDA and ask the utility for a short hold; if water is involved, LIHWAP ended, so ask for other aid via 211 and your utility’s hardship funds.
• Where do I get quick transit help numbers? Nashville 1-615-862-5950 (WeGo), Memphis 1-901-274-6282 (MATA), Knoxville 1-865-637-3000 (KAT), Chattanooga 1-423-629-1473 (CARTA).
• Are interpreters free? Yes, for TennCare and many state services; ask for an interpreter every time; check the TennCare Civil Rights and Language Assistance pages.

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About wait times, documents, and funding swings

Expect up to 10–15 business days for some non‑crisis benefit decisions; transit fare or schedule changes can occur several times per year. Always double‑check the official fare or grant pages before buying passes or planning long trips. Use upload portals for TDHS and TennCare to speed up decisions and keep copies of everything.

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección fue producida con herramientas de traducción asistida por IA. Verifique todos los detalles en los enlaces oficiales.

• Para viajes médicos, programe transporte con su plan de TennCare usando la página de Transporte (NEMT); llame con 72 horas de anticipación o pida una cita urgente si su médico lo confirma. Use TennCare Connect para preguntas y apelaciones.
• En Nashville, use QuickTicket para pagar como máximo 4/dıˊa;combine∗WeGoLink∗parallegaralaparada;∗WeGoAccess∗cuesta4/día; combine *WeGo Link* para llegar a la parada; *WeGo Access* cuesta 4/dıˊa;combine∗WeGoLink∗parallegaralaparada;∗WeGoAccess∗cuesta3.70 por viaje.
• En Memphis, el pasaje del bus es $1;\ast GrooveOn‑Demand\ast cuesta$1.25; MATAplus cuesta $2.
• En Knoxville, katpay limita a 2/dıˊay2/día y 2/dıˊay30 al mes; The LIFT cuesta $2 por viaje.
• En Chattanooga, CARTA cuesta $1.50y\ast Care‑A‑Van\ast$3–$3.50; Token Transit permite comprar boletos desde el móvil.
• Para evitar cortes de luz, aplique a LIHEAP (THDA); pida una pausa temporal a su compañía de servicios mientras se procesa su solicitud; llame a 211 Tennessee para apoyo local.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• TennCare Transportation and Contact pages (scheduling rules, appeals, and ride brokers).
• WeGo Public Transit (fares, Access/Access On Demand, WeGo Link, service updates).
• Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) (fares, microtransit, paratransit, alerts).
• Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) (fares, katpay caps, The LIFT).
• CARTA Chattanooga (fares, passes, ADA Care‑A‑Van).
• TDOT Office of Public Transportation and rural providers (Mid‑Cumberland, ETHRA, UCHRA, NET Trans, SCTDD).
• THDA LIHEAP (energy bill help; FY2025 ranges and timing).
• VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System / DAV (Veterans rides).

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.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in Tennessee and may change with funding, policy updates, or service adjustments. Always confirm with the linked agency before you spend money or rely on a ride. If your situation involves an immediate safety or medical risk, call 911.

🏛️More Tennessee Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Tennessee

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery