In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the successful launch of a new transit service by the Hill Country Transit District, which began operations on September 3rd. The service aims to address longstanding issues with ridership and accessibility in the region, particularly in light of a comprehensive evaluation conducted three years ago that revealed a significant downturn in fixed-route bus usage.

The new micro-transit service has already shown promising results, with an average of over 12 passengers per hour in Killeen and nearly 9 in Temple, significantly improving upon previous metrics. The average wait time for riders has dropped to under 10 minutes, a stark contrast to the previous one-hour bus frequency. This shift is seen as a \"tectonic change\" in local transportation, allowing for more efficient and responsive service.

Officials highlighted the importance of data collection in understanding travel patterns and optimizing routes. The service has integrated advanced software to enhance user experience, although some initial glitches were reported. The collaboration with ride-sharing companies like Uber has also been beneficial, allowing for overflow service during peak demand times.

Council members expressed interest in expanding the service to underserved areas, particularly to enhance access for soldiers and their families at Fort Cavazos. However, they acknowledged the potential challenges of increased wait times and operational costs associated with such expansions. The discussion emphasized the need for careful consideration of service demand and the importance of maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to improving public transit in the region, with plans for ongoing evaluation and potential future expansions based on ridership data and community feedback. The positive reception from local stakeholders, including social service agencies, indicates a strong community support for the new transit initiatives.