The HOP has announced regionwide service changes set to begin on January 1, 2026, with one of the most significant improvements taking place in Belton.
Belton’s microtransit zone will expand to offer riders greater access to community destinations, faith centers, neighborhoods, and commercial areas throughout the city.
The HOP says the expansion extends its services to more places where people work, live, and shop in Belton, including Crossroads Church, River Springs at Barge Ranch Apartments, Taco Bell, Popeyes, and McDonald’s.
“As demand for flexible, on-demand transit continues to grow, these service improvements help ensure that riders in Belton have convenient, reliable access to essential destinations,” said Raymond Suarez. “This expansion is an investment in both mobility and quality of life for the community.”
To celebrate the changes, The HOP is running a promotion throughout January that allows people to use microtransit at no cost. By using promo code RIDEHOP26, riders will receive $4 in ride credit, the equivalent of one microtransit round trip. The code is valid January 1–31, 2026, and may be used once per rider account.
While Belton’s expansion is a highlight of the January 2026 service updates, The HOP is also implementing microtransit improvements in Killeen, Harker Heights, and Temple. Regional updates include enhanced school access, expanded residential coverage, and the relocation of the Urban Commuter Temple mobility hub from City Hall to the nearby Santa Fe Mobility Hub.
The HOP will also discontinue microtransit service in Salado beginning January 1. Riders there may continue using Bell County Rural Demand Response services. Additionally, a minor schedule adjustment will be made to the Urban Commuter route to improve reliability during peak travel times.
Belton residents can learn more about the upcoming changes by visiting The HOP website at:
https://takethehop.com/service-announcements
To redeem the RIDEHOP26 promo code and use the microtransit service, download The HOP mobile app.
