Transportation Assistance Resources in Mississippi
Last updated September 11, 2026
Getting to medical appointments, job interviews, or essential services can be a serious challenge in Mississippi, where rural communities are common and public transit options are limited. Several federal and state-administered programs exist to help Mississippi residents who cannot drive, cannot afford transportation costs, or need specialized assistance due to age or disability.
Medicaid in Mississippi includes a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit that can arrange rides to and from covered medical appointments for eligible members — this is one of the most widely available and underused transportation resources in the state. Additionally, older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for transportation services coordinated through local Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.
The best starting point for any Mississippi resident is calling 2-1-1 (dialed directly or via 211ms.org), which connects callers to a trained specialist who can identify transportation programs available in their specific county. Because program availability varies widely by region, a 2-1-1 referral is the most reliable way to find current local options.
Key programs in Mississippi
Mississippi Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Provides free rides to and from Medicaid-covered medical appointments — such as doctor visits, dialysis, mental health treatment, and pharmacy trips — for eligible Medicaid enrollees who have no other means of transportation.
How to access: Contact Mississippi Division of Medicaid at (800) 421-2408 or visit medicaid.ms.gov. Medicaid members typically need to request a ride at least a few days in advance through the state's designated NEMT broker. Ask your caseworker or call the member helpline to confirm your eligibility and schedule a ride.
2-1-1 Mississippi
A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects Mississippi residents to local transportation programs, including volunteer driver networks, community transit options, fuel assistance, and bus pass programs that vary by county.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, available 24/7. You can also visit 211ms.org to search by zip code. Specialists can identify transportation resources specific to your area that may not be widely advertised.
Eldercare Locator / Area Agencies on Aging
Connects older Mississippi adults (generally 60+) to local Area Agencies on Aging, which often coordinate or fund transportation services including volunteer driver programs, senior van routes, and assistance getting to medical or nutrition sites.
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. They will refer you to your local Area Agency on Aging in Mississippi, which can explain what transportation help is available in your county.
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) — Rural Transit Programs
MDOT administers federal Section 5310 and Section 5311 transit funding, which supports transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents across Mississippi through locally operated transit systems and nonprofits.
How to access: Contact MDOT's Intermodal Planning Division at (601) 359-7800 or visit mdot.ms.gov to find out which transit provider or community organization serves your county. Services and eligibility vary by location.
Veterans Transportation Services (VA)
Eligible Mississippi veterans may receive transportation assistance to VA medical appointments through the Beneficiary Travel program, which can reimburse mileage or arrange VA-coordinated rides. Some VA facilities also partner with volunteer driver programs.
How to access: Contact the nearest VA Medical Center in Mississippi (G.V. Montgomery VA in Jackson: 601-364-1201, or Gulf Coast VA in Biloxi: 228-523-5000). Ask specifically about the Beneficiary Travel program and any volunteer transportation networks associated with the facility.
Transportation Assistance resources for Mississippi
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 Mississippi
- Housing Assistance in Mississippi
- Food Assistance in Mississippi
- Utility Assistance in Mississippi
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Mississippi
- Mental Health Resources in Mississippi
- Domestic Violence Resources in Mississippi
- Disability Resources in Mississippi
- Veteran Resources in Mississippi
- Child & Family Assistance in Mississippi
- Senior Resources in Mississippi