A Fort Cavazos Soldier boards the Cavazos Connector Feb. 5 at the Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility for a ride back to the barracks. (U.S. Army photo by Darren Cinatl, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Fort Cavazos, in partnership with the Hill Country Transit District, has launched the Cavazos Connector, a comprehensive transit system designed to enhance the quality of life for Soldiers, civilians and their families here. This fare-free service initiated its beta testing phase on Feb. 5, which will run through March 1. During this phase, micro-transit zone and the circulator routes will be tested along with the curb-to-curb service within and between these designated zones.

The Cavazos Connector is made up of two systems. The micro-transit system consists of five zones, which function similarly to popular rideshare applications. The circulator route makes 28 stops consisting of medical facilities, gyms, dining facilities, Exchange locations and more to help all those with access to the installation to go places with ease. These two systems put ease of access and timely connections at the fingertips of those who call the Great Place home.

“The program provides accessibility and convenience to Soldiers, their families … to get you to various aspects, not only on the base but off base, through our five cities that we serve, from Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Killeen, Belton and Temple,” said Raymond Suarez, general manager of the Hill Country Transit District.

This service will connect the Fort Cavazos community at no cost. Not only will it bring riders to various key points of interest on the installation, when it launches fully on March 2, it will also provide a low-cost option for those on post to travel off the installation via a stop at the Fort Cavazos Visitors Center. The service will comprise of several micro-transit vehicles on the installation, along with two vehicles dedicated to circulator route that will operate in 20 to 30 minute windows across the installation.

The program is not just for the Soldiers and other military personnel stationed on Fort Cavazos, but to all those who have a Department of Defense ID card. This will greatly assist all those who either live or work at the Great Place.

When asked about how the program has assisted those who used the transportation service, many Cavazos Connector riders focused on the service’s ability to provide flexibility and convenience to them and their families.

“It is extremely vital to me, given my family only has one vehicle in our household,” said Pfc. Jeremiah Davenport, 49th Transportation Battalion. “This is an extremely helpful service for the junior enlisted Soldiers on base… It is amazing.”

The Cavazos Connector promises to reshape the daily experiences of the entire Fort Cavazos community. For more information on the program, up to date routes and other critical information, continue to follow U.S. Army Fort Cavazos social media and visit home.army.mil/cavazos/my-fort/all-services/cavazos-connector.