The HOP rolls out new microtransit vehicles in Copperas Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The HOP buses will no longer be making timed stops at locations around Copperas Cove. 

Instead, after much planning and a pilot program on Fort Cavazos, the Hill Country Transit District held a ribbon cutting on Friday to launch its new microtransit system. 

In a soft launch, city leaders, department heads, and even a couple of councilmembers had the opportunity to ride the van to experience the new service. 

Service changes began on Monday, when three new vans literally rolled into Copperas Cove, replacing the fixed-route buses within the city. One of the vans is ADA-equipped, so riders can request the van for those accommodations. 

Derek Czapnik, Director of Urban Operations for HOP, made the rounds last Friday, starting in Copperas Cove and concluded in Belton, which will have the same services. 

Czapnik said that the HOP’s pilot program on Fort Cavazos exceeded their expectations. 

Instead of waiting at a bus stop, riders can now request a ride by downloading the HOP app on an Android or iOS device. The new system operates similar to an Uber format. 

The bus stops in Copperas Cove will remain, for now, but this new service can pick riders up at their homes, stores, and even places of business. 

Riders can still go to a bus stop, such as near Walmart and H-E-B, behind the Copperas Cove Public Library, and request a ride from that location to wherever they would like to go. 

Riders can request a van on-demand and can also schedule rides up to two weeks in advance. 

The connector locations will still be in place, where the van riders can transfer to a bus that can take them to Killeen, and as far as Temple. 

Czapnik said anyone can ride and they don’t need to use an app. They can also phone The HOP’s customer service line to request a ride. 

The vans are available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

To ensure customer support, a dedicated phone line will be available 24/7, staffed by both local personnel and a third-party agency named Spare. 

For additional information visit www.takethehop.com or call the 24-hour number at (254) 933-3700 for information and booking rides.