The HOP has done it again!!

We are equipping all of our Fixed Route Buses with bicycle racks.

Can’t get to that special place on the bus?  Bring your bike!

With the easy to follow instructions, you and your bike can go anywhere.

This step by step video shows important points for

 “HOW TO USE A BIKE RACK.”

Each rack has decals with written directions, but here are a few pointers:

• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop

• Always be sure the driver sees you and acknowledges you before loading and unloading your bike

• NEVER step out in front of the bus until you are sure the driver has acknowledged you are there

• For safety, always stay on the curb side or in front of the bus to use the rack - DO NOT step into traffic

• Remember to always remove any loose accessories from your bike before loading - tire pump, bottles, etc.

• Sounds silly, but please do not forget your bicycle - be sure the driver knows you want to get your bike before you get off the bus

• Each rack holds 2 bikes - You can load or unload from either position, even if there is a bicycle in the other position

• Load bike on the closet rack to the bus - inside slot - with the front wheel towards the door

• To use the front bike position, place the front wheel towards the driver

• Drivers are not permitted to assist, although they should be able to answer your questions

• Bicycles with wheels ranging in size from 16 inches to 29 inches – tires can be up to 2.35 inches wide – wheelbases may be up to 44 inches – Bicycle weights should not exceed 55 pounds, including any accessories – If your bicycle has panniers, they can be no more than 16 inches overall width, with 8 inch width on each side

• Please see below for Operation Instructions

Hill Country Transit District is not responsible for bicycles or accessories that are lost, stolen, or damaged while on the rack.

ROUTE CHANGES

EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2012

ROUTE 35 AND ROUTE 200 IN THE WAL-MART AREA IN HARKER HEIGHTS

Beginning March 1, 2012, the buses will no longer drive on Commercial and Shawnee to reach Modoc.

Rather, they will cross FM 2410 while traveling westbound on HWY 190 access road, and will loop back onto the eastbound access road at Stan Schlueter.

Passengers using the bus stop area on Modoc will not be affected, as the times will remain the same for arrival and departure.

ROUTE 100 IN THE METROPLEX AREA

Beginning March 1, 2012, the bus will no longer drive on the Metroplex Spur. Rather, the bus will travel only on Clear Creek Road and Bell Tower Drive.  Passengers wishing to board or get off the Route 100 for the Metroplex area will use the bus stops on Bell Tower Drive located near its intersection with Metroplex Spur.

These changes are being made to enhance the efficiency and safety of the bus route.  If you have any questions, please call The HOP at 254-616-6800.

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PARATRANSIT SERVICE FOR MEDICAL TRIPS FROM KILLEEN, COPPERAS COVE, HARKER HEIGHTS AREA TO TEMPLE

The HOP is now accepting reservations from Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights area clients who are STS trip eligible to ride HOP STS buses to and from medical trips in Temple.  This is a limited use service, and governed by the following limitations.

 

1.    Only STS clients may schedule trips (other than clients of the Medical Transportation Program (MTP) contract);

2.    Trips may be reserved only on a space available basis and only if MTP clients are already making the trip;

3.    Each trip must be reserved, including return trips;

4.    Trip times are limited, and usually pre-set by the HOP.

Specific trip times for picking up in the Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights area and leaving the Temple medical facilities include the following times.  Your actual scheduled pickup time may vary, depending on your location and other passengers traveling on that trip.

                    KILLEEN                   TEMPLE

                     8:30 AM                        9:30 AM

                   10:00 AM                     11:00 AM

                   12:30 PM                        1:30 PM

                     2:00 PM                        3:00 PM

                     3:00 PM                        4:00 PM

                     4:30 PM                        5:30 PM

These trips are limited, and are not guaranteed to operate unless MTP passengers have trips scheduled.  However, the HOP’s experience is that many of these trips will operate each day, and STS passengers will now have a way to travel to Temple for medical appointments, provided the passengers can be flexible with their travel times. 

Please remember trips are for medical purposes only – no other trip purposes will be approved.  Trips may also be scheduled to travel from Temple to the Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights area if, and only if, the trip purpose is medical.  For more information, or to schedule a trip, please call the Killeen HOP Scheduling Section at 616-6800, and press option 2 on the automated menu.