THE DETAILS

For years, we've helped connect people throughout Central Texas to work, school, healthcare, shopping, family, friends and the places that matter most. As our services have grown and evolved, we knew it was time for our brand to grow with us. The Ride is a new name and a new look designed to better reflect who we are today and where public transportation in our communities is headed next. While we'll look a little different, the transportation you rely on isn't going anywhere. This rebrand is about changing how we look and how we talk about our services—not changing our commitment to getting you where you need to go.

What's changing?
Our name will change from The HOP to The Ride, along with a new logo, colors, website and updated look across our vehicles, Rider App, signs, materials and other rider information.

What's staying the same?
You'll continue to find the same people, transportation services and commitment to serving our communities. Our Customer Service number will remain 254-933-3700, and riders will continue to have familiar ways to plan, book and pay for trips.

Why the Ride?

Our communities and transportation services have changed significantly over the years—and our new brand is designed to move forward with them. The Ride represents public transportation that is innovative, responsive, accessible and dependable, while keeping the focus where it belongs: helping people connect to the places and people that matter in their lives. No matter what you call us, our purpose remains the same: connecting communities and keeping Central Texas moving.

WHAT RIDERS CAN EXPECT

A New Website

A New Look on the Road

An Updated Rider App

On January 1, lovetheride.com will become your new online home for service information, trip-planning resources, rider information and more. Visit takethehop.com after the transition and you'll be redirected to the new website.

An Updated Rider App

A New Look on the Road

An Updated Rider App

You won't need to download a new app or create a new account. The existing Rider App will receive an update featuring The Ride's new look. Your username, password, ride history and familiar app functionality will remain.

A New Look on the Road

You'll begin seeing vehicles featuring The Ride's new look as we transition our fleet. Not every vehicle will change overnight, so you may see both The HOP and The Ride vehicles on the road during the first few months of 2027.

New Service Names

A New Look on the Road

As part of making our system easier to understand, you'll also begin seeing updated names for some of our services, including Ride On-Demand (microtransit), Ride Rural (demand response), and Regional Commuter (Urban Regional Commuter / RC Bell).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The HOP going away?

No! The HOP is simply changing its name to The Ride on January 1, 2027. We're still the same transit system, with a fresh new look.

Why are you changing the name?

We're creating a more modern, consistent and recognizable identity for our transportation services. The new name better reflects how we connect riders with the places they need and want to go.

When does the new name take effect?

The Ride officially launches on January 1, 2027. You'll begin seeing information about the transition before then.

Will my transportation service change?

Not because of the rebrand. The name and appearance are changing, but the services you currently use will continue. If separate service changes are proposed or approved, we'll communicate those independently.

Are fares increasing because of the rebrand?

No. The rebrand itself does not change fares. Any proposed fare adjustments are part of a separate public involvement and approval process.

Will I have to download a new mobile app?

No. The existing app will transition to The Ride branding through a standard update. You won't need to download a completely different app. You may need to force or approve the update based on your individual phone settings.

Will I need to create a new account or reset my password?

No. Your existing account, login credentials and ride history will remain the same.

Will the app work differently?

The app will have updated branding, but the core booking experience and functionality will remain the same as part of the rebrand.

If I don't currently have the rider app, should I wait until January 1 to download it?

No! We encourage you to download the rider app now and set up your profile so you're ready to book and manage rides. Beginning January 1, 2027, the app will receive its new branding. Depending on your phone settings, the update may happen automatically, or you may be prompted to update the app manually. There's no need to wait or download a separate app!

Will your website change?

Yes. Beginning January 1, our new website will be lovetheride.com. If you visit takethehop.com, you'll be redirected to the new website. Additionally, a new online booking portal will be available for those who book online.

Will the buses and vans look different?

Yes! Vehicles will gradually receive updated branding. During the transition, you'll see some vehicles displaying The HOP and others displaying The Ride. Both are part of our transit system.

If I book rides for 2027 before the end of 2026, will those reservations be impacted?

No. Any rides you book for 2027 will remain in the system and will not be affected by the rebrand. While our name and appearance are changing, the technology behind the scenes remains the same. Your existing reservations will carry over, and there's no need to cancel or rebook your trips.

How will I know I'm getting into the right vehicle?

Continue following your normal ride information and safety procedures. Check the vehicle details provided in your booking information and confirm your ride with the driver before boarding. Some vehicles may have different branding during the transition.

Will your phone number change?

No change to our main customer service number is planned as part of the rebrand. You can continue calling 254-933-3700.

Are you changing the names of your transportation services?

We're updating how we describe and organize our services to make them easier to understand.

The HOP >>> The Ride
Microtransit >>> Ride On-Demand
Demand Response >>> Ride Rural
Urban Regional Commuter / RC Bell >>> Regional Commuter
Cavazos Connector (stays the same)

Do I need to do anything to prepare for January 1?

No special action is needed. Just keep an eye out for our announcements and continue using your service as usual.

Where can I find more information about the rebrand?

There are several ways to stay informed as The HOP transitions to The Ride!

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/takethehop for weekly updates
Sign up for the Rider Report at https://bit.ly/thehopinmotion for updates delivered straight to your inbox
Visit our current website at https://bit.ly/BecomingTheRide for weekly updates with the latest information

What if I have more questions?

We're happy to help! Call 254-933-3700 or speak with our team. We'll continue sharing information as the launch approaches.

THE DETAILS

WHAT RIDERS CAN EXPECT

A New Website

A New Look on the Road

An Updated Rider App

An Updated Rider App

A New Look on the Road

An Updated Rider App

A New Look on the Road

A New Look on the Road

A New Look on the Road

New Service Names

A New Look on the Road

A New Look on the Road

Frequently Asked Questions

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