Best Transportation in Ohio — 14 verified resources

About Transportation

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.

14 Resources

1. COTA — Central Ohio Transit

Central Ohio Transit Authority provides bus service throughout the Columbus metropolitan area. Women can plan routes, purchase passes, and access reduced-fare programs for low-income riders at cota.com. Reduced-fare passes available for qualifying individuals. COTA also offers paratransit service for eligible riders with disabilities. Service operates daily; call for schedules and fare information.

(614) 228-1776 · 33 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Daily service · Visit Website

2. RTA — Greater Cleveland Transit

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority provides bus and rail service throughout the Cleveland metro area. Women can access route maps, schedules, and fare information at riderta.com. Reduced-fare programs available for qualifying low-income riders, seniors, and people with disabilities. RTA also provides paratransit service. Daily service; call for specific route and schedule questions.

(216) 621-9500 · 1240 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 · Daily service · Visit Website

3. Metro — Cincinnati Transit

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA/Metro) provides bus service throughout the Cincinnati metro area. Women can plan trips, purchase passes, and access reduced-fare programs at go-metro.com. Paratransit services available for eligible riders. Call for route information, fare details, and schedule updates. Service operates daily throughout the Cincinnati area.

(513) 621-4455 · 602 Main St Suite 1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Daily service · Visit Website

4. METRO RTA — Akron Transit

Metro Regional Transit Authority provides bus service throughout the Akron metro area Mon-Sat. Women can access route maps, schedules, and fare information at akronmetro.org. Reduced fares available for seniors and people with disabilities. Paratransit service available for eligible riders. Call for current schedules, fare options, and information on reduced-fare program eligibility.

(330) 762-0341 · 416 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, OH 44301 · Mon-Sat service · Visit Website

5. Amtrak — Ohio

Amtrak passenger rail service connecting Ohio cities including Cleveland, Toledo, and Cincinnati to other major US destinations. Women can book tickets online at amtrak.com or by phone at (800) 872-7245. Discounts available for seniors, veterans, and AAA members. Baggage assistance available. Stations located in major Ohio cities with connecting bus services.

(800) 872-7245 · Multiple stations · Daily service

6. Amtrak — Free

National passenger rail service connecting hundreds of cities across the US. Discounts available for seniors, veterans, children, and AAA members. Women can book tickets, check schedules, and access accessibility accommodations at amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-872-7245. Quiet cars, nursing accommodations, and assistance with luggage available on most routes.

Nationwide · Online

7. Greyhound — Free

Long-distance intercity bus service connecting hundreds of cities across the United States. Affordable fares with advance purchase discounts. Women can buy tickets online at greyhound.com or at bus terminals. Luggage storage available at major stations. Greyhound is often the most affordable long-distance travel option for women traveling on a budget.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. FlixBus / Megabus — Free

Budget-friendly intercity bus services offering low fares with free WiFi and USB charging on most routes. FlixBus and Megabus connect major US cities at significantly lower prices than traditional transportation options. Women can book tickets online at megabus.com or flixbus.com. Advance purchase offers the best fares. Luggage allowance included with tickets.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. US Department of Transportation — Free

Federal transportation hub providing information on public transit, rail, highway, aviation, and accessibility resources nationwide. Women can access information on transportation assistance programs, accessibility rights under the ADA, and federal transportation grants at transportation.gov. Useful for finding resources for women with disabilities navigating transportation access.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. 211 — Transportation Help — Free

Dial 211 from any phone to be connected with local transportation assistance programs including free or subsidized bus passes, volunteer driver programs, medical ride services, and non-emergency medical transportation. Available 24/7 in most areas. Women can also search for transportation resources in their area at 211.org. Services vary by location.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Veterans Transportation Service — Free

Free VA transportation to medical appointments for eligible veterans through VA travel pay reimbursement, volunteer driver programs, and VA shuttle services. Women veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can contact their local VA medical center to learn about available transportation options and eligibility for travel pay reimbursement. Visit va.gov for program details.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Modivcare (Medicaid Transportation) — Free

Modivcare arranges non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid recipients in many states to get to and from covered medical appointments. Women enrolled in Medicaid can check if Modivcare operates in their state at modivcare.com and schedule rides to doctor appointments, dialysis, therapy, and other medical services. Rides must be scheduled in advance.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — Free

AAA Foundation provides free safety resources for drivers of all ages including senior driving assessments, CarFit programs, and distracted driving education. Older women drivers can access self-assessment tools and information on adaptive driving technologies at aaafoundation.org. CarFit events help ensure vehicles are properly adjusted for safety and comfort.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. National Aging and Disability Transportation Center — Free

Federal resource providing information on transportation options, funding, and programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Women can access a directory of local transportation providers, information on paratransit programs, and resources for improving transportation access at nadtc.org. Technical assistance available for communities and providers seeking to expand access.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many transportation resources are in Ohio?
Women's Corner tracks 14 verified transportation resources for women in Ohio.
Are transportation resources in Ohio free?
9 of the 14 listed transportation resources in Ohio are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Ohio have transportation resources?
Listings span cities including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron.
What are some examples of transportation resources in Ohio?
Featured entries include COTA — Central Ohio Transit, RTA — Greater Cleveland Transit, Metro — Cincinnati Transit, METRO RTA — Akron Transit, Amtrak — Ohio.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
5 of 14 Ohio transportation listings include verified 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.