Getting around: rides for seniors in Smith and Cherokee counties
Giving up driving, or just not wanting to drive across town for a doctor's appointment, doesn't have to mean depending on family for every trip. East Texas has several low-cost and free ride options for older adults.
Free rides to the doctor and senior meals (age 60+)
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas works with GoBus to give free rides to people 60 and older going to medical appointments and senior nutrition (meal) sites. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available.
- Call: 1-800-442-8845
- Call well ahead of your appointment, and ask how much notice they need.
Tyler city buses: half fare at 65
If you live in Tyler, Tyler Transit city buses cost half price for riders 65 and older: 50 cents a ride, or $20 for a monthly pass. Show your ID when you board.
Door-to-door rides in Tyler for people who can't use the bus
Tyler Transit Paratransit picks you up at the curb and drops you off anywhere in the City of Tyler, for riders whose disability keeps them from using the regular bus.
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No Sunday service.
- You apply first. Pick up an application at the Tyler Transit office, 210 E. Oakwood St., or email TylerTransit@TylerTexas.com. Approval can take up to 21 days.
- Once approved, call (903) 595-7236 to schedule rides.
Rides in the rural areas: GoBus
GoBus is East Texas's rural public transit, open to riders of any age. It serves Cherokee, Henderson, Rusk, Van Zandt, Wood, and other nearby counties, plus the parts of Smith County outside Tyler, including trips into Tyler on set days.
- Call GoBus dispatch: 800-590-3371. Book at least a day ahead.
- Ask about the fare, which days they run into Tyler, and the GoBus app for tracking your ride.
Tip: when you call any of these services, have your address, your destination, your appointment time, and whether you use a wheelchair or walker ready.
More discounts
Our senior discount finder lists more ways to save around East Texas, including gas, outings, and national programs.
Sources: Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, City of Tyler: ADA Paratransit, City of Tyler code (fares), East Texas Council of Governments: GoBus. Schedules and fares can change, so confirm when you call.
