Transportation Assistance Resources in Maine
Last updated September 6, 2026
Getting from place to place in Maine can be a serious challenge, especially in rural areas where public transit is limited or nonexistent. Whether you need a ride to a medical appointment, help with gas costs, or a way to reach work or social services, there are programs designed to help Maine residents with low incomes, disabilities, or limited mobility.
The best first step for most people is to call 2-1-1 Maine (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211maine.org). Trained specialists can connect you with local transportation programs, volunteer driver networks, and community resources specific to your county. Maine's geography means that available options vary significantly from one region to another, and 2-1-1 staff know what's actually operating near you.
If you are elderly or have a disability, transportation options often overlap with other support services. Contacting your nearest Area Agency on Aging or speaking with a MaineCare (Medicaid) caseworker can reveal ride benefits you may already be entitled to under your existing coverage.
Key programs in Maine
MaineCare Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Covers free rides to and from medical appointments—including doctor visits, dialysis, mental health treatment, and pharmacy trips—for MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) members who have no other way to get there.
How to access: Contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) at 1-855-797-4357 to confirm your MaineCare coverage includes NEMT, then ask your managed care plan or the DHHS transportation coordinator how to schedule a ride. Rides typically must be arranged at least two business days in advance.
2-1-1 Maine
A free statewide helpline that connects residents to local transportation resources, including volunteer driver programs, community shuttle services, fuel assistance referrals, and rides for specific populations such as veterans, seniors, or people with disabilities.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (available 24/7), or visit 211maine.org to search by ZIP code. Specialists speak multiple languages and can help identify what's available in your specific county or town.
Eldercare Locator / Area Agencies on Aging
Maine's five Area Agencies on Aging coordinate transportation services for older adults, including volunteer driver programs, subsidized ride arrangements, and coordination with community transit. Services and availability vary by region.
How to access: Call the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) to be connected to your regional Maine Area Agency on Aging. You can also ask 2-1-1 Maine for your local AAA contact.
VA Transportation Services (Veterans)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible veterans free or low-cost transportation to VA medical appointments through its Beneficiary Travel program and through volunteer driver programs coordinated by VA facilities and state veterans organizations.
How to access: Contact the VA Maine Healthcare System at 1-877-421-8263 or visit va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay to learn about Beneficiary Travel reimbursement. Ask your VA social worker about volunteer driver networks and shuttle schedules from your area.
Community Action Agencies (Statewide Network)
Maine's network of Community Action Agencies provides a range of transportation supports depending on the region, including fuel assistance referrals, ride coordination, and connections to local transit systems. Some agencies operate their own transportation programs for low-income residents.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 Maine or visit the Maine Community Action Association website to find the Community Action Agency serving your county. Each agency has its own intake process, and eligibility is generally based on income.
Transportation Assistance resources for Maine
211 Transportation Assistance
NationwideReferrals to local transportation and medical-ride programs. Dial 211.
Eldercare Locator — Transportation
NationwideConnects older adults and caregivers to local transportation services.
Free Charity Cars
NationwideThe Original 1-800-Charity Cars, 800CharityCars.org (Charity Cars, Inc. DBA: Free Charity Cars), non-profit car-donation / distribution program in the nation. Struggling families nationwide apply for a free charity car. MUST REAPPLY EVERY 3 MONTHS!
GoGo Grandparent
NationwideConnects seniors and people with disabilities to essential services. With just one phone call, you can order rides, groceries, meals, prescriptions, and even home help—without needing a smartphone or app.
National Aging & Disability Transportation Center
NationwideTransportation options and assistance for older adults and people with disabilities.
Progressive’s Keys to Progress®
NationwideAnnual vehicle‑giveaway program that provides about 100 donated cars each November to U.S. veterans, their families, and veteran‑focused organizations, with over 1,200 vehicles gifted since 2013. A nationwide veteran‑support initiative run by Progressive Insurance.
Other resources in Maine
- Housing Assistance in Maine
- Food Assistance in Maine
- Utility Assistance in Maine
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Maine
- Mental Health Resources in Maine
- Domestic Violence Resources in Maine
- Disability Resources in Maine
- Veteran Resources in Maine
- Child & Family Assistance in Maine
- Senior Resources in Maine