TEXAS, USA — The traditional wait at the bus stop then hopping on a big bus with a lot of people on it is over for five Central Texas cities.
This is all thanks to 'The Hop' micro-transit system that launched in Copperas Cove, Belton, Temple, Harker Heights and Killeen.
The new system will be operated on an application similar to Lyft or Uber. The app will have the ability to show drivers where their ride is and how long it will take them to make it to their destination.
"For over a year, redesigning the service with the impact of COVID and day to day services, transit services across the nation need to innovate," 'The Hop' General Manager Raymond Suarez explained.
The app is expected to be used by 650,000 Central Texans and serve people from Downtown Copperas Cove all the way to Downtown Temple.
The cost for a ride to and from is only two dollars, but depending on the distance, a rider may need to be dropped off and request another ride.
"There are 36 micro-transit vehicles throughout the different cities and six fixed route units serving our communal network," Suarez added.
All it takes to use 'The Hop' app is to simply request a ride from your location and a driver will accept the ride. The estimated wait time is 30 minutes or less.
Over in Belton, they are more than excited for people to utilize the app as the elderly and disabled community will have better accessibility.
"Those bus stops won't go away initially as this program is still under evaluation, but all things considered, we think this is going to be a positive thing," Belton spokesperson Paul Romer said.
Suarez said there were some minor hiccups in the system on launch day, but they have documented every single one and will continue making improvements as the program continues.
To download 'The Hop' app or get more information, visit their website.