Court approves MOU with Real Transportation to formalize evacuation support

Aransas County approved a memorandum of understanding on July 28 with Real Transportation to document the transit provider’s role during evacuations and other disaster responses. Pam Fernandez of Real Transportation told the court the agency assisted during the county’s most recent evacuation by transporting residents without personal transport to the embarkation site and later returning evacuees to their homes. Fernandez said the MOU “solidifies the relationship going forward” so the county can “pull a really big lever, automatically next time when we have an evacuation.” County staff and Real Transportation discussed liability and compensation. Officials said the MOU, as written, does not provide a fee for the services and that Real Transportation volunteered the support during the recent event; the court was told the arrangement was intended to be voluntary to avoid additional liability exposure. Commissioners voted to approve the MOU and authorized the county judge to sign the document. County staff asked the court to note that Pam Hernandez from Real (listed in the meeting packet) was en route to the meeting and that the MOU reflects past practices the parties want to document for future responses. County staff said they will maintain the mutual-aid relationship under the MOU and continue coordination with Real Transportation and regional partners for future evacuations.