RoxanneThen keep reading, as we’ll reveal several ways you could get free or discounted transportation if you’re living on a limited income.
How much do you spend per month on transportation? If you’re like most low-income people, you’re spending 42 percent of your monthly earnings on it. That’s according to research from the Leadership Conference Education Fund, which found that low-income households are spending way too much money on getting around town.
Besides getting rides from friends and family, there are other ways to cut your transportation costs, so you have more money left over each month. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Medicaid
If you’re from a low-income household, chances are you receive free healthcare from Medicaid. That covers the cost of your doctor’s visits, but what about getting to the doctor in the first place? Although many don’t know it, Medicaid can cover that too.
Get in touch with your caseworker or local Medicaid office to see if you’re covered for free transportation to and from appointments and procedures. You probably are, which could keep you from having to worry about how you’ll pay out of pocket for such essential trips.
2. Local Volunteers
Dial these three numbers on your phone: 211. Next, talk to the local operator that answers and ask them if they know of any organizations that offer free transportation in your area.
211 is a line that specializes in helping people find assistance with housing, food, transportation, paying bills, healthcare, and more. By calling them, you’ll find out if any churches, senior centers, community centers, etc., have volunteers that provide free transportation service without having to do a ton of time-consuming research on your own.
3. Public Transportation
Many use public transportation since it can be cheaper than owning a car. Still, you may barely be able to afford it if money’s tight.
In that case, call your public transit system or nearest social services department. Ask if they offer discounts for low-income riders, and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. In some cases, you’ll be able to take the train or bus for free. In others, you may at least score a discount.
4. TANF
Should you find yourself in need of financial assistance, the TANF program can give it to you. But beyond offering cash benefits, TANF can also give you free transportation, depending on where you live.
If you’re a TANF recipient, contact your state agency to see if your benefits include complimentary transportation.
5. Bike Share Programs
Look around many big cities, and you probably see a lot more bikes and scooters in public. Why? Because bike and scooter share programs are popping up everywhere to offer an alternative to automobile transportation.
Although such programs are affordable, you may enjoy them at an even lower price if they offer a low-income discount. Search for bike and scooter share programs near you via the Internet, then give them a call to see if they have any discounts for low-income riders.
