CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over the last two months, the city of Corpus Christi has seen a slew of pedestrian-related deaths. And, perhaps, the most alarming part is that the men hit were all 65 and older.
But the problem hasn’t been limited to Corpus Christi – a man died in Beeville after being hit by a vehicle, and another died in Agua Dulce after being hit by a train.
Each of these areas has transportation available for the elderly, as well as the majority of the counties in the Coastal Bend, including Jim Wells County
One transportation company in Jim Wells County helps bridge the gap in mobility issues among the elderly – Alice’s nonprofit service R.E.A.L.
"Our rates are very affordable when it comes to transportation,” R.E.A.L. Mobility Management Services officer Pam Garza. “Let’s say you live in Rockport -- it will be $1 one way for your trip.”
Similar small fees apply to people wanting to get around in other towns surrounding Corpus Christi.
“If you have any questions, you can give us a call," she said.
The Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend officials said there are options available for residents over the age of 60 who might not have a safe way to get around.
Joann Sandoval said that group provides elderly residents with five round trips a year, which, if you do the math, is 10 free rides.
She said that, while the service is valuable, she encourages riders to use their discretion.
"They would have to be 60 and over,” she said. “And we recommend that they use those rides for doctor’s appointments and lab work -- that kind of stuff. Because they do only get five round trips to use a year."