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RailHOW TO RIDE

 

Discover what METRO can do for you.

Discover what METRO can do for you. METRO's combination of services, including bus, train and vanpool, helps area residents meet their unique transportation challenges. We call it "seamless service"; you'll call it your transportation solution. This guide contains all you need to know to get on board with METRO, including information about our services, how to plan your trip, navigate our system and even pay for your ride.

Download How to Ride Guide (English PDF)
Download How to Ride Guide (Spanish PDF)

Let us help you plan your trip.

Visit our METRO RideStore or call METROLine at 713-635-4000, 713-635-6993 (TTY), and speak to one of our customer service representatives. They can help you chart your route, provide the right schedule information and tell you how to purchase a METRO Q® Fare Card – METRO’s rechargeable electronic Fare Card that provides free transfers and five free trips for every 50 paid trips. Learn more >>

You may obtain a METRO Q® Fare Card at METRO’s RideStore, located in the Central Business District/Downtown (CBD) at McKinney and 1900 Main Street at St. Joseph Parkway, inside METRO's administration building. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Leran more >>

You also may obtain a METRO Q® Fare Card at METRO’s TMC Transit Center and at hundreds of retail locations around town including Valero service stations, Fiesta Mart, Foodarama, Gerland's, Kroger, Randalls, Sellers Brothers and some neighborhood convenience stores. Learn more >>

 

On the road with METRO's bus service.

METRO has three types of bus service - Local, Airport Direct and Park & Ride.

Local Service runs mostly on city streets, stopping at every other corner along its route.

Airport Direct is a one way direct to ride to and from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Terminal C to downtown Houston.

Park & Ride Service is for long-distance commuting. METRO's 28 Park & Ride lots provide bus service to key destinations in the service area. One-way fare fall into four zones based on the distance a bus travels.
Learn more about the fare >>
Learn more about bus schedules >>

 

Transit Centers and Park & Rides bring hassle-free commuting to you.

Join other bus and rail riders at our sheltered Transit Centers to transfer easily and safely from service to service. Transit Centers offer convenience and flexibility through various transfer opportunities and provide surrounding communities access to METRO services.

Park your car at one of METRO's Park & Ride lots and ride our bus or rail service to your ultimate destination. We have Park & Ride service from all parts of the Greater Houston area.
Learn more about Transit Centers >>
Learn more about Park & Rides >>

 

Riding METRORail is easy.

Spanning 7.5 miles, Houston's premiere rail line features 16 stations conveniently located in and around many busy activity centers such as the Central Business District (CBD), Midtown, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) and the Reliant Park area. Riding the train is easy; just follow these simple steps:

  1. Buy a rail ticket if you need one. If you don't already have a METRO Q® Fare Card, your first stop must be at the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). Conveniently located at each station along the line, the TVM is used to purchase your Single-Ride Ticket.
  2. Each of METRORail's 16 stations is unique in design, yet all stations share conveniences such as covered waiting areas, benches and TVMs. METRORail operates a minimum of 20 hours per day, seven days per week. The cost for an adult one-way ticket on METRORail is $1.25 (children under five ride free). METRO Police will perform random fare inspections aboard trains to verify that passengers have paid the proper fare. If unable to show proof of purchase, passengers may be fined up  to $500.

    3. The following items may be used as proof of purchase:

    • Rail Ticket purchased at the TVMs located on rail platforms.
    • METRO Q® Fare Card, with an appropriate balance, that has been tapped on the METRO Q® reader located on each TVM.

  3. Wait for your train. Look and listen for announcements of each train's arrival that include the train's ultimate destination. When the train arrives at the station, look for the destination signs at the base of the train's windshield and in two places on the side of the vehicle. These signs show the train's ultimate destination. UH-Downtown is the farthest northbound destination; Fannin South is the farthest southbound destination.
  4. Board and ride METRORail. Once the train has come to a complete stop, its doors will open for 20 to 30 seconds. A warning chime will sound, and lights will begin to flash (both inside and outside the train) before the doors begin to close. As soon as you see or hear these signals, step clear of the doorway.

Once the doors close, the train must leave the station so that it may progress though intersections along the rail line with minimal delays to cross-street traffic.

Walk safely along the rail line.
METRORail trains travel along the street just like other vehicles and are very quiet. In fact, trains make less noise than buses and most cars. When walking near the rail line, always remember:

  • Do not walk in front of, between or behind the trains.
  • Never stand on or near the tracks.
  • Cross the tracks only at designated pedestrian crossings and only when it is safe to do so.
  • Look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions.
    Obey all signs: flashing lights, traffic and pedestrian signals and crossing gates. Police will ticket violators.
  • Listen for train whistles, bells and horns.
  • Follow instructions from police officers.

 

Save time, money and stress with METRO STAR.

STAR is perfect for commuters who live or work in areas where bus service is not convenient. STAR serves Harris County and the surrounding seven counties. Sharing a STAR saves time, money and stress. Vanpools reduce the number of vehicles on our roadways to alleviate congestion and reduce harmful emissions.

With vanpooling, you can:

  • Lower your vehicle's fuel and maintenance expenses.
  • Reduce your personal auto insurance rates.
  • Some employers reduce your cost even further by offering extra monthly commuter benefits.
  • Save time with use of HOV lanes, located on Houston's major freeways.
  • Enjoy a reliable source of transportation to and from work.

 

QuickRide

During rush hours, the minimum requirement raises to 3+ occupants on US 290. QuickRide is a program that allows vehicles with two occupants to continue driving the HOV during these times for just $2 each way. Times vary per freeway, and registration is required. Call METRO RideShare Services at 713-224-7433 (RIDE) or 1-888-606-RIDE toll free or to find out more e-mail us at rideshare@ridemetro.org.

 

Your ticket to ride is at hand. You may pay your METRO fare two ways:

Cash or METRO Q® Fare Card
METRO offers discounted fares to children, middle and high school students, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and Medicare card holders. These fares are valid on all METRO services. METRO-issued identification is required. Learn more >>

 

METROLift provides alternate service.

All METRO buses and trains are 100 percent accessible for people with disabilities and feature lifts, ramps and enlarged destination signs. For those who cannot use our accessible buses or trains, METRO offers METROLift, a curb-to-curb, shared-ride service using vans and sedans. METROLift eligibility requires physician approval and an in-person evaluation at METRO. For more information, call 713-225-0119 or click here.

 

Use transfers to finish your trip.

Free transfers are only available with a METRO Q® Fare Card and are valid in one direction for two hours.

 

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