Best Transportation in Tennessee — 17 resources

About Transportation for Women

Transportation assistance helps women get to work, court, prenatal appointments, childcare, and DV shelters. Public transit passes are often free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT, which covers rides to all covered medical visits at no cost), and WIC. Many workforce and job training programs include bus passes, and the Ways to Work program funds low-interest car loans for working parents. Domestic violence shelters often coordinate confidential relocation transportation through VAWA-funded programs. In rural areas, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs operate through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance.

Transportation in Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Area Legal Services, and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence serve women.

17 Resources

1. WeGo Public Transit - Nashville

Public bus service with reduced fares for qualifying low-income women in Nashville. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Daily 5am-11pm.

615-862-5950 · 430 Myatt Dr, Nashville, TN 37115 · Daily 5am-11pm · Visit Website

2. MATA - Memphis Area Transit Authority

Public bus and trolley service with discounted fares for low-income Memphis women. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Daily 5am-11pm.

901-274-6282 · 1370 Levee Rd, Memphis, TN 38108 · Daily 5am-11pm · Visit Website

3. CARTA - Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation

Public transit including free electric shuttle for women in downtown Chattanooga. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Mon-Sat 6am-9pm.

423-629-1473 · 1617 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37406 · Mon-Sat 6am-9pm · Visit Website

4. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT)

Public bus service with reduced fare programs for qualifying Knoxville women. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Mon-Sat 6am-10pm.

865-637-3000 · 301 Church Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915 · Mon-Sat 6am-10pm · Visit Website

5. Tennessee Department of Transportation - Mobility — Free

Statewide transit resources and rural transportation assistance programs for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.

615-741-2848 · 505 Deaderick St Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Access Ride - Nashville Paratransit

Door-to-door transportation for women with disabilities in the Nashville area. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Daily 5am-11pm.

615-880-3970 · 430 Myatt Dr, Nashville, TN 37115 · Daily 5am-11pm · Visit Website

7. Clarksville Transit System

Public transportation for women and families in the Clarksville area. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Mon-Sat 6am-6pm.

931-553-2429 · 200 Legion St, Clarksville, TN 37040 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm · Visit Website

8. Jackson Transit Authority

Public bus service for women and families in the Jackson metropolitan area. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Eligibility requirements vary; call ahead to learn about service area and scheduling. Open Mon-Sat 6am-6pm.

731-423-0200 · 731 S Royal St, Jackson, TN 38301 · Mon-Sat 6am-6pm

9. Amtrak — Free

National passenger rail service with discounts for seniors, veterans, and children for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online

10. Greyhound — Free

Long-distance intercity bus service across the United States for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at greyhound.com with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. FlixBus / Megabus — Free

Discount intercity bus services with low fares and free WiFi on most routes for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at megabus.com with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. US Department of Transportation — Free

Federal transportation hub with public transit, rail, and accessibility resources for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at transportation.gov with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. 211 — Transportation Help — Free

Dial 211 for referrals to local transportation assistance, medical rides, and bus pass programs for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at 211.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Veterans Transportation Service — Free

Free VA transportation to medical appointments for eligible veterans. Contact local VA medical center for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at va.gov with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Modivcare (Medicaid Transportation) — Free

Non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid recipients in many states for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at modivcare.com with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — Free

Senior driving resources, safety programs, and CarFit assessments for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at aaafoundation.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. National Aging and Disability Transportation Center — Free

NADTC — federal resource on transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities for women needing transportation assistance. Services include rides to medical appointments, job interviews, court, and essential errands. Available online 24/7 at nadtc.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many transportation resources are in Tennessee?
Women's Corner tracks 17 transportation resources for women in Tennessee.
Are transportation resources in Tennessee free?
10 of the 17 listed transportation resources in Tennessee are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Tennessee have transportation resources?
Listings span cities including Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Clarksville, Jackson.
What are some examples of transportation resources in Tennessee?
Featured entries include WeGo Public Transit - Nashville, MATA - Memphis Area Transit Authority, CARTA - Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), Tennessee Department of Transportation - Mobility.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
8 of 17 Tennessee transportation listings include phone numbers.
How do I get a free bus pass?
Most transit agencies have reduced or free passes for low-income riders, seniors, students, and people with disabilities — apply through the transit agency directly. TANF and SNAP recipients often qualify for free passes through state Human Services. Domestic violence shelters, job training programs, and recovery programs typically provide transit passes for participants.
Are there free rides to medical appointments?
Yes. Medicaid in every state covers Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — call your Medicaid managed care plan or state Medicaid office to schedule rides to doctor visits, dialysis, therapy, and pharmacy. American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery and Angel Flight provide free transportation for cancer and serious illness. 211 can find local volunteer driver programs.
Can I get help buying or fixing a car?
Yes — Ways to Work, Modest Needs, Vehicles for Change, and 1-800-Charity-Cars provide low-interest loans or donated vehicles to low-income working parents. Many state TANF programs have car repair funds for parents who need transportation for work. Local United Way 211 has the most current list — funds rotate.
What if I have no transportation to my job?
Tell your American Job Center caseworker — WIOA can fund transportation as a 'supportive service' including bus passes, gas cards, and car repair. SNAP E&T and TANF work programs also pay for transportation. Many employers in low-wage industries (logistics, healthcare) now offer transit stipends or shuttle service from designated pickup points.