Need a ride? Lots of ways to get around town for teen parents

As a teen parent, it can be tough to navigate Palm Beach County with a baby in tow. But with a little planning, your travels can be safe and cheap. 

Here's how:

"When traveling by paid transportation, such as Uber, bring your own (child car seat) and install it for the ride," says Kelly Powell, former program director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County. "Car crashes are the leading cause of death to children under the age of 19. Planning ahead can save your child's life."

For more car seat safety tips, visit Safe Kids.

Here are additional transportation options for teens and their children:

• GETTING TO SCHOOL: Students who enroll in the Teenage Parent Program of the School District of Palm Beach County’s Department of Safe Schools have access to free transportation. Call 561-494-1574 or visit your school counselor for more details.
• GETTING TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS: Many teens use either public transportation or Uber/Lyft for doctor appointments. To help plan, use these fare estimators for Uber or Lyft. Families who receive services from Healthy Beginnings, a program for expectant families and families with young children, funded by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, may qualify for bus and taxi services. Call Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition at 561-623-2800 if you're pregnant, or HomeSafe at 561-383-9800 if you have a young child.
• MATERNITY CARE COMES TO YOU: Screening and assessment services via Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition can be provided at convenient locations, such as homes, schools, jobs or community locations. Call 561-623-2800.
• GETTING AROUND TOWN: Palm Tran buses offer half off its single-trip cash fare and a reduced price on Quik Passes for students 21 and younger with a student ID. Kids younger than 8 are free with a paying passenger. Click here for bus routes.
• TRAVELING BEYOND SOUTH FLORIDA: Tri-Rail trains offer Discounted Fare Easy Cards at half off to students ages 13 to 18 and college students with an ID, as well as accompanied children ages 5 to 12. Kids younger than 5 ride free. You must pre-qualify with documentation. Click here for routes, schedules and fares.

SOURCE:

• Kelly Powell, former program director, Safe Kids Palm Beach County