FAQ

  1. "What is The HOP?
  2. "How do I use The HOP?
  3. What does "The HOP" mean?
  4. Who can use The HOP?
  5. When does The HOP operate?
  6. Where does The HOP operate?
  7. Why have The HOP?
  8. How does The HOP receive its funding?
  9. How much does it cost to ride The HOP?
  10. How and where can I buy monthly passes?
  11. When will the service area expand?
  12. Is The HOP safe?

What is The HOP?


The HOP is Central Texas' Regional Public Transit System operated by Hill Country Transit District through offices in Belton and San Saba, Texas. Fixed route and complementary paratransit public transportation service is provided in the Killeen-Copperas Cove-Harker Heights and in the Temple-Belton urban area. Rural public transportation is provided through a demand response system in the smaller communities within the 9 county transit district.

How do I use The HOP





TO SCHEDULE A TRIP, USE THE APP OR CALL
(254) 933-3700 FOR MORE INFORMATION.



NOTE FOR USERS OF THE CAVAZOS CONNECTOR SYSTEM ON FORT CAVAZOS:
Fort Cavazos: The MicroTransit zone for the Barracks connects to the
Circulator route by way of the Copeland Center. If you wish to be
transported from anywhere in the Barracks to a destination on the Circulator
Route, use the app to book a trip to the Copeland Center, and then a bus can
pick you up there and take you to your destination. The Circulator Route
runs approximately once every twenty minutes, so there is very little
waiting involved. To get back to the Barracks zone, board the Circulator
Route back to the Copeland Center, and then use the app to book a trip from
there to your destination.



Click Here for a Map of the Cavazos Connector Bus Route

Click Here for a brief Demonstration Video for the App

What does "The HOP" mean?


The name "HOP" isn't an acronym. The name was chosen to reflect the short, quick trips our customers can make when using the system.

Who can use The HOP?


Everyone is welcome on The HOP. Riders under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Every bus is wheelchair accessible. Specific regulations are stated in the General Riding and Use Rules for Passengers.

When does The HOP operate?


The HOP operates Monday - Friday 5:25am - 6:45pm. No weekend or holiday service is provided.

Where does The HOP operate?


The HOP operates fixed route and complementary paratransit service in the Killeen-Copperas Cove-Harker Heights and the Temple-Belton urban area and a demand response service in rural communities within the nine-county transit district.

Why have The HOP?


Public transit creates opportunities for employment, education, recreation, shopping, social activities, community involvement and cultural activities, especially for those people who have limited means of transportation. Public transportation is part of the foundation for the enhanced quality of life in an urban environment.

How does The HOP receive its funding?


Financial support for The HOP comes from local, State, and Federal sources. Federal support comes from the Federal Transit Administration; State support comes from the Texas Department of Transportation Public Transportation Fund; and local support comes from a cash contribution by Hill Country Transit District and in-kind match by local governments.

How much does it cost to ride The HOP?


Ride one-way anywhere on the system for only $1.00! Elderly, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and students ride half fare with HOP issued eligibility card and photo ID. Reduced rates are granted on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, customers are able to buy monthly bus passes; otherwise, exact change is needed for the fare box.

How and where can I buy monthly passes?


Save money each month by purchasing a monthly HOP pass for only $25. Monthly passes can be purchased at The HOP office in Belton at 4515 W. US 190. NO REFUNDS ON MONTHLY PASSES, MULTI-RIDE TICKETS, OR TOKENS.

We have added additional sales outlets for the purchase of Passes and Multi-Ride tickets.

In Killeen, you can purchase passes at:
Killeen Main Library located at 205 E. Church Street - Contact (254) 501-8996 - hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm.
Copper Mountain Library located at 3000 South WS Young - Contact 254-501-7871 - hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 6:00.

In Harker Heights, you can purchase passes at:
City of Harker Heights Building located at 305 Millers Crossing - Contact 254-953-5639 - hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

In Temple at:
City of Temple Office located at 2 N. Main Street, Temple - Contact 254-298-5700 - hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:45pm.
Temple Visitor's Center located at 120 W. Central - Contact 254-298-5900 - hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00.

In Belton, you can purchase passes at:
City of Belton Office located at 100 South Davis Street, Belton - Contact 254-933-5800 - hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

In Belton, The HOP Office at 4515 W. US 190, Belton, Texas 76513. Contact 254-933-3700 ext. 5010 - hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

The payment of media fare is cash or money order only. Please make your money order out to Hill Country Transit District (HCTD). Tokens are available for sale only at the Belton office. Tokens come in multiples of 20 for $10.00 a bag. If you are an agency and would like to establish an account for the purchase of media fare, please call your local HOP office for more information. No refunds on monthly passes, multi-ride tickets, or tokens.

When will the service area expand?


Review of existing service routes and stops is a continuing process. Passenger boarding/debarking points are periodically monitored. Rider ship trends are tracked. A major review of the system is performed each year and any adjustments are made to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the system. It is important to hear your ideas about how we can make the system better. Before major changes are made a public comment period is provided and a public hearing is held. We want your input.

Is The HOP safe?


Yes. The General Riding and Use Rules for Passengers outlines the rules and regulations which each rider must adhere to. Each bus is in constant communication with a dispatcher and will be able to report any trouble. In the spring of 2001, security cameras were added to every bus. Finally, all drivers will receive approximately 40 classroom hours of training in CPR, First Aid, Passenger Assistance Training, major and minor emergency procedures, and Defensive Driving.