I've gathered these options to help you plan a ride. A sponsored ride, a Medicaid transportation benefit and accessible public transit have different rules. Start with the program that matches your trip, location and eligibility.
If you are unsure where to begin, call 211 or 877-541-7905 for local resource information. Explain whether the trip is for an appointment, groceries or another need.
Before requesting a ride, have the pickup and destination addresses, date, appointment time and mobility needs ready. Ask whether the program serves both addresses and what the trip will cost.
Apply or obtain certification where required before booking. Ask about advance notice, return travel and any attendant arrangements directly with the provider.
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Places to contact
Each organization decides eligibility, service areas, funding and availability. Please confirm the current details directly before you travel or make arrangements.
Southern Dallas Link — Golden Riders
Sponsored DFW rides for appointments, groceries and community activities.
Who may qualify
Adults aged 55 or older with transportation barriers may qualify. Priority includes limited income, mobility challenges or limited transit alternatives.
Cost or funding
Approved sponsored rides are free. Applying does not guarantee rides; qualification may be reviewed every three months.
Your next step
Use Become a Rider on the official page or contact the organization to apply by phone. Booking instructions follow approval.
Parkland Community Health Plan — STAR Transportation
Nonemergency rides to medical appointments through the STAR health-plan benefit.
Who may qualify
For Parkland Community Health Plan STAR members; this is not a general public ride service.
Cost or funding
Covered nonemergency medical transportation is offered at no cost to STAR members.
Your next step
Call 833-931-3844 at least two workdays before your appointment. English/Spanish interpretation is available; the official page links to NEMT booking details.
Accessible shared rides for people whose disabilities prevent use of regular buses or trains. DART also offers travel training.
Who may qualify
Paratransit certification and a trip within the service area are required. Some riders have conditional eligibility.
Cost or funding
The published Paratransit rider fare is $3.50; personal care attendants ride free. Travel training is free, and certified Paratransit riders can use fixed-route buses and rail free.
Your next step
Call 214-828-6717 about certification or 214-828-8576 about travel training. Confirm the applicable fare and service area before booking.
No. Golden Riders covers approved sponsored trips. DART Paratransit normally charges a fare. Check the program and the particular trip before booking.
Can I book Parkland STAR transportation for tomorrow?
The published process requests at least two workdays before a medical appointment. Contact the plan directly about urgent scheduling or exceptions; a next-day trip is not guaranteed.
Can a program take me grocery shopping?
Golden Riders lists grocery trips for approved participants. Medical transportation benefits have different rules, so ask your plan before assuming a nonmedical trip is covered.
Looking for something else?
Search for free and community support by ZIP code or city, then choose the kind of help you need.
