What is the H-GAC Regional Bus Transit Study?
The study is evaluating how bus services could better connect communities across the region. For example, regional bus routes could connect outlying communities to each other as well as the urban core, providing access to jobs, education, healthcare and other services.
What is regional bus service?
Regional bus service connects destinations across counties and communities. It is different from local bus service, which mainly serves trips within a city or community. Regional bus routes generally travel longer distances and have fewer stops than local bus routes.
Regional bus has the potential to provide connectivity across current transit provider boundaries, which are shown in the map below. Right now these transit providers generally operate bus services entirely within their geographic service areas, with little ability for riders to transfer between providers.

What is an example of a regional bus route?
The Splash, a bus route connecting Galveston and Texas City, allows transit users to seamlessly bridge the gap between the mainland and Galveston Island. This regional bus can be used by riders to connect to local bus services provided by two separate agencies - the City of Galveston's Island Transit and service provided by the Gulf Coast Transit District in Texas City - to reach their final destinations.
The purpose of the Regional Bus study is to evaluate if a network of routes such as The Splash can be implemented to better connect our region and the services offered by its various transit providers.
Is this a final route plan?
No. This is a planning study. Public input will help inform future recommendations.
Who will operate this service?
This is to be determined. The Regional Bus Study will consider implementation scenarios including potential operators and funding sources.
How can I participate?
You can attend a public meeting, take the online survey, and use the online engagement tools on this page.
How will my input be used?
Public input will help the study team understand current travel patterns, regional mobility needs, and barriers to travel. That feedback will be used to inform future planning recommendations.
FAQ last revised 4/23/2026
What is the H-GAC Regional Bus Transit Study?
The study is evaluating how bus services could better connect communities across the region. For example, regional bus routes could connect outlying communities to each other as well as the urban core, providing access to jobs, education, healthcare and other services.
What is regional bus service?
Regional bus service connects destinations across counties and communities. It is different from local bus service, which mainly serves trips within a city or community. Regional bus routes generally travel longer distances and have fewer stops than local bus routes.
Regional bus has the potential to provide connectivity across current transit provider boundaries, which are shown in the map below. Right now these transit providers generally operate bus services entirely within their geographic service areas, with little ability for riders to transfer between providers.

What is an example of a regional bus route?
The Splash, a bus route connecting Galveston and Texas City, allows transit users to seamlessly bridge the gap between the mainland and Galveston Island. This regional bus can be used by riders to connect to local bus services provided by two separate agencies - the City of Galveston's Island Transit and service provided by the Gulf Coast Transit District in Texas City - to reach their final destinations.
The purpose of the Regional Bus study is to evaluate if a network of routes such as The Splash can be implemented to better connect our region and the services offered by its various transit providers.
Is this a final route plan?
No. This is a planning study. Public input will help inform future recommendations.
Who will operate this service?
This is to be determined. The Regional Bus Study will consider implementation scenarios including potential operators and funding sources.
How can I participate?
You can attend a public meeting, take the online survey, and use the online engagement tools on this page.
How will my input be used?
Public input will help the study team understand current travel patterns, regional mobility needs, and barriers to travel. That feedback will be used to inform future planning recommendations.
FAQ last revised 4/23/2026