What's Inside Wyoming's Transportation Information Guide
Wyoming's Transportation Information Guide is a free educational resource that explains how the state's transportation systems work and what programs exist in your area. This guide covers various topics related to getting around Wyoming, from public transit options to ride-sharing services to specialized transportation programs for people with specific needs.
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The guide presents information about transportation services that operate across Wyoming, including both urban and rural areas. Since Wyoming covers 97,813 square miles with a population of approximately 580,000 people, transportation looks different depending on whether you live in a city like Cheyenne or Laramie, or in a smaller town or rural community. The guide reflects this reality by explaining what's available in different regions.
Contents typically include descriptions of how various transportation programs operate, what services they provide, and how people can learn more about them directly. The guide does not determine who can use these services—that's something each program decides based on its own rules. Instead, it provides basic information to help you understand your options.
Wyoming's transportation landscape includes public bus systems, medical transportation services, senior transportation programs, and community-based options. By reading through this guide, you'll get a picture of what transportation resources exist in Wyoming and how they generally work.
Practical Takeaway: Start by locating the section that matches your area or situation (for example, urban transit, rural transportation, or specialized services) to focus on information most relevant to you.
Public Transportation Options Across Wyoming
Wyoming has several public transportation systems, though they vary significantly by location. Cheyenne, the state capital with about 65,000 residents, operates Cheyenne Transit System (CTS), which provides local bus service throughout the city. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, operates Laramie Lift, which serves the city and the university community. Casper has the Casper Area Transportation System (CATS). These systems operate fixed routes and schedules, meaning buses run on predetermined paths at set times throughout the day.
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In smaller communities, public transit options are more limited. Many smaller Wyoming towns do not have formal public bus systems. Instead, residents may rely on ride-sharing services, taxis, or private transportation. Some communities offer dial-a-ride services, which work differently from fixed-route buses—you call ahead and request a ride to your destination, and the system picks you up and drops you off.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) oversees statewide transportation planning but does not directly operate local bus services. Each city or county typically manages its own system or contracts with a provider to run services. Regional transportation councils coordinate planning across areas.
Public bus systems in Wyoming typically charge fares, though the amount varies. Many systems offer reduced fares for seniors (usually age 65 and older), people with disabilities, and students. Some systems offer monthly passes at a discount compared to single rides. Information about current fares, routes, and schedules for any specific system is available directly from that system's website or by calling their offices.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, approximately 3.2% of Americans use public transit regularly. In Wyoming, this percentage is lower due to the state's rural character and lower population density. However, in concentrated areas like Cheyenne and Laramie, public transit serves thousands of trips weekly.
Practical Takeaway: If you live in or visit a Wyoming city, call or visit the local transit system's office to get current route maps, schedules, and fare information specific to that area.
Medical and Non-Emergency Transportation Services
Wyoming provides several types of transportation specifically for medical purposes. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is available to people who are enrolled in Medicaid and need to travel to medical appointments but cannot drive themselves. This is different from emergency ambulance services (which call 911). NEMT services can include wheelchair-accessible vans, regular vehicles, or even taxi services, depending on what's available in your area and what you need.
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Regional health departments and managed Medicaid organizations coordinate NEMT services. If you have Medicaid and need medical transportation, your Medicaid provider or health plan will have information about how to request this service. You typically must schedule rides in advance, usually by calling a specific number and providing details about your appointment and transportation needs.
Wyoming also has several programs that provide rides to medical facilities. The University of Wyoming operates shuttle services that sometimes include community members. Some hospitals and large medical clinics offer limited transportation services, particularly for patients traveling long distances—Wyoming has significant distances between medical centers in some areas. For example, someone in a rural county might need to travel 50 to 100 miles to reach a specialist or hospital.
Rural hospitals and clinics sometimes coordinate rides for patients who need to travel for treatment. The Wyoming Hospital Association can provide information about transportation programs at specific facilities. Additionally, some non-profit organizations focus on providing rides for people with specific conditions, such as cancer treatment centers that may coordinate transportation for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, approximately 38,000 people in the state receive Medicaid. A significant portion of these individuals may use NEMT services at some point. The state has worked to ensure that people who need medical care can get there, particularly in rural areas where public transportation is scarce.
Practical Takeaway: If you have Medicaid and need medical transportation, contact your Medicaid health plan or local managed care organization directly to ask about non-emergency medical transportation services and how to schedule a ride.
Senior Transportation and Specialized Programs
Wyoming has several transportation programs specifically designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) operate in different regions of Wyoming and often coordinate or provide transportation services for older adults. These services may include rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, senior centers, and social activities.
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The Older Americans Act, a federal program, provides funding for senior transportation in many Wyoming communities. Under this program, communities receive grants to operate transportation services. These services are typically free or very low-cost for people aged 60 and older. Younger people with disabilities may also use these services in some areas.
Wyoming has five Area Agencies on Aging: in the northern region (serving Big Horn, Johnson, Sheridan, and Washakie counties), northwest (Park, Hot Springs, and Washakie counties), northeast (Campbell and Crook counties), central (Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, and Washakie counties), and southeast (Albany, Carbon, Laramie, and Platte counties). Each AAA provides different services based on local needs and funding. You can contact your local AAA to learn what transportation options exist in your area.
Many senior centers across Wyoming also coordinate rides for their participants. Senior centers often provide lunch programs, social activities, and wellness classes. Transportation to and from these centers is frequently part of the service. Cost varies—some centers cover transportation costs for participants, while others charge a small fee.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in some Wyoming cities, though availability is limited compared to larger states. Some seniors and people with disabilities receive subsidies or vouchers to use these services through community programs.
Wyoming's population includes approximately 85,000 people aged 65 and older, making up about 14.6% of the total population. This percentage is increasing as baby boomers age, making senior transportation an important issue across the state.
Practical Takeaway: Find your local Area Agency on Aging and call to ask what transportation services they offer or coordinate in your region, and what the cost is.
Rural Transportation Challenges and Solutions
Rural Wyoming presents unique transportation challenges. The state covers nearly 98,000 square miles with only about 580,000 people, meaning much of Wyoming is sparsely populated. Some residents live 30, 50, or even 100+ miles from the nearest city or medical facility. Public bus systems are not practical in these areas because there simply aren't enough people to support regular scheduled routes.
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Several solutions have emerged to address rural transportation needs. Community transportation systems, sometimes called community transit, operate in some rural areas. These are often smaller services that use vans or buses to provide rides within a community or county. Riders typically must call ahead to schedule a ride, and service may operate only on certain days or during certain hours.
Rural transit programs receive funding from federal