Rural Demand Response

WHERE DO DEMAND RESPONSE SERVICES OPERATE?

Demand Response Services operate in the counties of Coryell, Bell and Milam.

WHEN DO DEMAND RESPONSE SERVICES OPERATE?

Demand Response Services operate Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

The See our list of holiday service closures for The HOP's holiday schedule.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RIDE DEMAND RESPONSE?

The base demand response fare is $4.00. County Service Passes are also available. To explore all fares and options, please visit our full fare details page.

HOW DO I BOOK A RIDE?

You can book a ride through The HOP rider app, through the online booking portal or by calling an agent at 254.933.3700.

HOW DO I DOWNLOAD THE RIDER APP?

The app is free and available for both iOS (Apple Store) and Android (Google Play) devices. Simply visit the Apple Store or Google Play, search for The HOP, and download it to get started.

HOW CAN I CONNECT THROUGHOUT THE REGION?

You can travel within the cities of Belton, Cameron, Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Harker Heights, Killeen, Lampasas, Salado, and Temple by using the Microtransit Service, which offers convenient, on-demand services that can be booked same-day or up to 14 days in advance.

You can travel between Copperas Cove, Killeen/Harker Heights, Belton, and Temple by using the Urban Regional Commuter Service, which offers reliable connectivity between cities that can be booked same-day or up to 14 days in advance.

You can travel between Lampasas and Copperas Cove; Gatesville and Temple; and Temple and Cameron by using the Rural Regional Commuter Service, which offers routine connectivity that can be booked up to 14 days in advance.

You can travel within Milam County, within Bell County, and within Coryell County by using the Rural Demand Response Service, which offers convenient, on-demand services that can be booked same-day or up to 14 days in advance.

The HOP prides itself on providing a wide variety of transportation options within Central Texas that allows residents and visitors the opportunity to travel throughout the region in a safe, reliable and affordable way.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN THINGS I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RURAL DEMAND RESPONSE SERVICE?

Your Origin and Destination are where you want your trip to start and where you want your trip to finish.
Your origin and destination are where you pick you up and drop you off. No need to walk a far distance to the vehicle.
Rides can be "commingled" or shared, meaning it's not a private ride. This is how we keep the trip affordable!
The Rural Regional Connector provides trips within the county. If you need to travel from county to county - use the Urban Regional Connector.
Book in advance (up to 14 days).

ARE THERE ANY HELPFUL MATERIALS I CAN REFERENCE?

You'll find helpful tools and downloadable resources on our Rider Resources page to make navigating The HOP's transit system easier than ever. Our customer care team is also available to help by calling 254.933.3700.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR RIDING?

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone, all riders are expected to follow posted rules and guidelines at all times. These policies help create a respectful environment for passengers and drivers alike, and allow our services to run smoothly for the entire community.

NO SHOWS, LATE CANCELS & SERVICE SUSPENSION POLICY

To keep The HOP’s Regional Microtransit service running smoothly and fairly, trip reservations must be used responsibly. When riders miss their rides or cancel at the last minute, it impacts other riders and strains system resources. A consistent pattern of No-Shows, Late Cancels, or Frequent Cancellations may result in a suspension of service.

WHAT COUNTS AS A NO SHOW?

A No-Show occurs when:

The rider is not present at the scheduled pick-up time and location.
The rider refuses to board or signals the driver to leave.
The rider fails to board within 2 minutes after the driver has arrived and followed pick-up protocol.

No-shows are not counted if caused by a late vehicle or lack of assistance.

WHAT IS A LATE CANCEL?

A Late Cancel is when a rider cancels their trip less than 30 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

WHAT IS A FREQUENT CANCELLATION?

A Frequent Cancellation is when a rider cancels three or more trips within a 30-minute window.

SERVICE SUSPENSION POLICY

A pattern of no-shows and late cancellations disrupts service for others. If a rider has five or more no-shows within a 30-day period, HCTD will conduct a review. Based on the findings, the following steps may apply:

First Warning – Sent via your preferred contact method
Final Warning – Sent via your preferred contact method
1st Suspension – 1-day service suspension
2nd Suspension – 7-day service suspension
3rd Suspension – 30-day service suspension

This policy resets every calendar year on January 1st.

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FOR SERIOUS CONDUCT

Service may be suspended immediately for up to 30 days, or until an appeal is heard, if a rider engages in violent, disruptive, or illegal behavior. This includes but is not limited to:

Threats or physical harm toward drivers or passengers
Physical or verbal assault
Harassment or intimidation
Vandalism or misuse of transit property
Repeated rule violations (e.g., smoking, eating without medical need, or refusing to follow rules)
Any criminal activity under the law

APPEALING A SUSPENSION

If your service is suspended, you will receive a Notice of Service Suspension via your preferred contact method. This notice will explain why the suspension occurred and how long it will last.

To appeal:

Complete the Suspension of Service Appeal Form within 7 calendar days of receiving your notice.
Submit the form by mail or in person to the address below:

Hill Country Transit District
4515 W. US HWY 190
Belton, TX 76513

If no appeal is submitted within 7 days, the suspension will remain in effect and the right to appeal is forfeited. Appeals will be reviewed by the Director of Operations along with all related documentation.

RURAL DEMAND RESPONSE

RURAL DEMAND RESPONSE MAP