Catholic Charities Transportation: How Local Ride Programs Work and How to Find One

How Catholic Charities transportation works

According to Catholic Charities USA, the national office supports a network of about 170 local agencies. Those agencies are separate organizations, usually tied to a Catholic diocese, and they choose their own programs based on local needs and funding. That is why a ride program in one city may not exist in the next county.

When an agency does offer transportation, it usually falls into one of three kinds. The first is a direct ride service, with vans or volunteer drivers. The second is a transit service the agency runs for a city or county under contract. The third is one-time help, such as a bus pass or gas card, given as part of an emergency assistance visit. Funding often comes from government grants, local transit agencies, and donations, so capacity is limited and some programs keep waiting lists.

Types of ride help local agencies offer

• Senior rides: door-to-door trips to doctors, pharmacies, and grocery stores for older adults who no longer drive.
• Disability transportation: wheelchair-accessible vans in some areas.
• Volunteer driver programs: trained volunteers who drive and sometimes escort riders into appointments.
• Work and school rides: low-cost trips that help people keep a job or finish training.
• Bus passes or gas help: sometimes part of emergency financial assistance, when funds allow.
• Newcomer services: some refugee and immigrant programs have helped new arrivals learn local transit. Many of these programs changed after federal refugee funding shifted in 2025, so ask your local office what it still offers.

Examples of local programs

These examples show how different local programs can be. Details change, so always confirm with the agency before you plan a trip.

The Hawaiʻi program page requires advance registration. The Fort Worth details come from a 2022 Catholic Charities Fort Worth article, so fares and rules may be different now.

Finding your local Catholic Charities agency

Go to the Catholic Charities USA Find Help page and enter your city, state, or ZIP code. It shows the agency that serves your area with a phone number and website. Look on the agency’s website for words like “transportation,” “senior services,” “aging,” or “emergency assistance.” If you do not see transportation listed, call anyway, since some help is given case by case.

Some areas are served by an agency with a different name, such as Catholic Community Services or Catholic Social Services. They are part of the same network.

Questions to ask when you call

• Do you offer rides, bus passes, gas help, or car repair help?
• Who qualifies, and is there an age, disability, or income rule?
• Which areas do you cover, and which trips (medical, grocery, work)?
• How far ahead must I book, and is there a fare or suggested donation?
• Can I bring a helper, or do you offer an escort?
• Do you have wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
• Is there a waiting list, and how do I get on it?

Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. If the agency cannot help, ask who else in your area provides rides.

Medicaid rides to medical appointments

If you have Medicaid, you may not need a charity ride for health care. Federal rules at 42 CFR 431.53 require state Medicaid programs to make sure members have necessary transportation to and from covered services. This is often called non-emergency medical transportation, or NEMT. Depending on your state, it may be a van, a ride-share, a bus pass, or mileage repayment for a friend who drives you.

Call the member services number on your Medicaid card or your health plan, and book as early as you can, since many states ask for a few days’ notice. Learn more on the Medicaid.gov transportation benefits page and in our Medicaid guide.

ADA paratransit for people with disabilities

If a disability keeps you from using the regular bus or train, you may qualify for ADA paratransit. Under 49 CFR 37.131, public transit agencies that run fixed-route service must offer comparable paratransit within three-quarters of a mile of their routes, during the same hours. The fare can be no more than twice the regular fixed-route fare, and rides must be bookable the day before. Apply through your local transit agency. Our guide to transportation services for disabled adults covers this in more detail.

Ride programs for older adults

Every area of the country is served by an Area Agency on Aging, which can connect people 60 and older to local ride programs, including ones run by Catholic Charities. Use the Eldercare Locator online or call 1-800-677-1116. Ask about door-to-door rides, volunteer drivers, and senior center shuttles. Many of these services are free or ask only for a donation.

Travel help for veterans

Veterans who get care through the VA may qualify for travel pay, which repays mileage or other travel costs to VA appointments. Some veterans also qualify for special mode transportation, such as a wheelchair van. See the VA travel pay page to learn how to file a claim.

Other places that help with gas and bus fare

• 211: dial 211 to find local programs that give bus passes, gas cards, or rides.
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul: parish-based St. Vincent de Paul groups sometimes help neighbors in need with transportation costs.
• Salvation Army and local churches: some give one-time gas or bus help.
• Job programs: workforce centers and TANF offices may help with travel to work or training.
• Car repair help: some charities and community action agencies help pay for repairs that keep you driving to work.

Comparing your ride options

How to get a ride, step by step

1. Find your local agency with the Catholic Charities USA locator.
2. Call and ask whether it offers rides, transit help, or gas help, and who qualifies.
3. If you have Medicaid, book medical rides through your plan.
4. If you have a disability, apply for ADA paratransit with your transit agency.
5. If you are 60 or older, call the Eldercare Locator for senior ride programs.
6. Dial 211 for bus passes, gas help, and other local options.
7. Book early and keep confirmation details for each trip.

For related help, see our guides to Catholic Charities transportation assistance and Catholic Charities gas vouchers.

Related guides

• Transportation services for disabled adults
• Catholic Charities financial assistance
• I need a free ride home with no money
• Car repair for low-income families

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Services vary by local agency and change over time. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with Catholic Charities or any transit agency.