Transportation Assistance Resources in Michigan
Last updated September 16, 2026
Getting to a medical appointment, job interview, or grocery store can be a serious barrier for many Michigan residents — especially those living in rural areas, older adults, and people with disabilities. Fortunately, several real programs exist at the state and federal level to help cover the cost of rides or connect you with local transportation options.
Michigan's Medicaid program (administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHHS) includes a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit for eligible members who have no other way to get to covered medical services. Outside of Medicaid, the best starting point for finding transportation help in your specific county is to call 2-1-1 Michigan, a free statewide helpline that connects callers with local community resources including volunteer driver programs, transit subsidies, and agency-run transportation services.
Older adults and people with disabilities often have access to additional options through their local Area Agency on Aging, which may coordinate rides or connect individuals to transit assistance funded through the federal Older Americans Act. If you're not sure where to start, calling 2-1-1 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can help you identify what's available in your part of Michigan.
Key programs in Michigan
Michigan Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Covers rides to and from Medicaid-covered medical appointments — such as doctor visits, dialysis, and pharmacy trips — for eligible Medicaid enrollees who have no other transportation available.
How to access: If you are enrolled in Michigan Medicaid (including Healthy Michigan Plan), contact your Medicaid Health Plan directly to request NEMT. If you are in fee-for-service Medicaid, contact MDHHS at 1-888-642-7434 or visit michigan.gov/mdhhs to learn how to request a ride through the state's contracted transportation broker.
2-1-1 Michigan
A free, confidential helpline that connects Michigan residents to local transportation resources, including volunteer driver programs, community transit options, gas vouchers, and agency-specific ride services — varying by county.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit mi211.org. Available 24/7, with multilingual support. A specialist will search local resources based on your location and need.
Area Agencies on Aging (via Eldercare Locator)
Michigan's 16 Area Agencies on Aging may offer or coordinate transportation services for adults 60 and older, including rides to medical appointments, senior centers, and essential errands, funded in part through the federal Older Americans Act.
How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find the Area Agency on Aging serving your county. You can also call 2-1-1 Michigan for a local referral.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Public Transit Programs
MDOT funds local public transit agencies across Michigan, including rural transit programs in counties that may not have traditional bus service. Services vary by county and may include fixed routes, dial-a-ride, and specialized transit for people with disabilities.
How to access: Visit michigan.gov/mdot and navigate to 'Passenger Transportation' to find your local transit agency. You can also call 2-1-1 Michigan for help identifying the transit provider in your area.
Veterans Transportation Services (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
The VA provides transportation assistance to eligible veterans for travel to VA medical appointments, including the Beneficiary Travel program, which may reimburse mileage or arrange transportation for qualifying veterans.
How to access: Contact your nearest VA medical center in Michigan — major locations include Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw. Call 1-800-698-2411 or visit va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay to learn about eligibility and how to file a claim.
Transportation Assistance resources for Michigan
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 Michigan
- Housing Assistance in Michigan
- Food Assistance in Michigan
- Utility Assistance in Michigan
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Michigan
- Mental Health Resources in Michigan
- Domestic Violence Resources in Michigan
- Disability Resources in Michigan
- Veteran Resources in Michigan
- Child & Family Assistance in Michigan
- Senior Resources in Michigan