Transportation Assistance Resources in South Carolina
Last updated September 11, 2026
Getting to medical appointments, job interviews, grocery stores, and social services can be a serious challenge in South Carolina, especially in the state's many rural counties where public transit is limited or nonexistent. Fortunately, several state and federally-funded programs exist to help low-income residents, older adults, people with disabilities, and Medicaid enrollees get where they need to go.
The fastest way to find local transportation help is to call 2-1-1 (or text your zip code to 898-211). Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a trained specialist at 2-1-1 South Carolina who maintains an up-to-date database of rides programs, volunteer driver networks, and transit resources in your county. Many of these local programs are small and not widely advertised, making 2-1-1 your best single starting point.
If you are a Medicaid enrollee, an older adult, a veteran, or someone with a disability, there are programs specifically designed to address your transportation needs. The sections below outline the most reliable options and how to access them in South Carolina.
Key programs in South Carolina
South Carolina Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Provides free rides to and from covered medical appointments—such as doctor visits, dialysis, mental health treatment, and pharmacy trips—for eligible South Carolina Medicaid members who have no other means of transportation.
How to access: Contact your Medicaid managed care plan (Healthy Connections Medicaid is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services). NEMT rides must typically be scheduled in advance. Call the member services number on your Medicaid card or visit scdhhs.gov to learn how to request a ride through your plan's transportation broker.
Area Agencies on Aging – Senior Transportation Services
Locally administered transportation programs for older adults (generally 60+) that may include volunteer driver programs, subsidized rides, or bus pass assistance. Services and availability vary by county.
How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (free, nationwide) to be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging in South Carolina. You can also call 2-1-1 South Carolina for the same referral. Some programs have income limits; others do not.
Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Program (Enhanced Mobility for Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities)
Federal funding passed through the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to local nonprofits and public agencies that provide transportation specifically for older adults and people with disabilities.
How to access: Residents do not apply to SCDOT directly. Instead, call 2-1-1 South Carolina or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find which organization in your county currently operates rides funded through this program. SCDOT's Public Transit office can point social workers to current grantees.
Veterans Transportation Services – VA Medical Centers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several transportation options for eligible veterans, including the Beneficiary Travel program (mileage reimbursement or paid transportation to VA appointments) and volunteer driver networks coordinated through some VA facilities.
How to access: Contact the nearest VA medical center or VA outpatient clinic in South Carolina. Veterans can also call 1-800-827-1000 (VA national helpline) or visit va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay to learn about Beneficiary Travel eligibility and how to file a claim.
2-1-1 South Carolina – Local Transportation Referrals
A statewide information and referral service that can connect callers to county-level transportation programs including volunteer driver networks, faith-based ride ministries, community action agency transport services, and other locally funded options not listed in national databases.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (free, available 24/7), text your zip code to 898-211, or visit sc.211.org. Specialists can search by county and specific transportation need (medical, employment, grocery, etc.).
Transportation Assistance resources for South Carolina
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 South Carolina
- Housing Assistance in South Carolina
- Food Assistance in South Carolina
- Utility Assistance in South Carolina
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in South Carolina
- Mental Health Resources in South Carolina
- Domestic Violence Resources in South Carolina
- Disability Resources in South Carolina
- Veteran Resources in South Carolina
- Child & Family Assistance in South Carolina
- Senior Resources in South Carolina