The launch of a pilot program to bring park & ride commuter service to Pearland is now slated for December or January, officials told Community Impact Newspaper.

The program was originally expected to begin in August after City Council approved a three-year contract with Kerrville Bus Company in May.

"Kerrville is crossing every t and dotting every i to make sure this is a successful launch," Assistant City Manager Jon Branson said. "They are taking on all the financial responsibility on this."

This includes finalizing the marketing plan, setting up a website, hiring staff and getting buses ready, according to the city. Official updates are being posted to a park & ride page on the city's website.

The pilot is expected to provide morning and evening service to the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston from the Sports Complex at Shadow Creek Ranch. Several stops include connections with Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Because Pearland is not subsidizing service, the park & ride may have higher ride fees than would be expected from a publicly funded option, Branson said. All payment for rides will be handled directly by Kerrville Bus Company, he said.

Since announcing the program this summer the city has been receiving a lot of interest in the service, Branson said.