Riding METRORail is an easy and exciting way to travel. We strive to provide continuous light-rail service; however, interruptions along the line may happen. If you
find yourself in the middle of a service delay, we have a plan to keep you moving quickly
and safely to your destination.
Alternate Bus Routes List
- 11 Almeda / Lyons
- 20 Canal / Memorial
- 28 OST / Wayside
- 29 Cullen/Hirsch
- 40 Heights / Telephone
- 41 Kirby / Polk
- 51 Hardy-Kelley
- 52 Hardy-Ley
- 54 Scott
- 56 Airline / Montrose
- 79 West Little York
- 80 MLK / Lockwood
Types of Service Interruptions
There are five primary reasons that cause an interruption of train service:
- Blocked trackway
- Vehicle/train accident
- Disabled train
- Power outage
- Flooding
What to Expect
In the event that rail operation is interrupted, METRO will attempt to maintain service
using a "single track" system for both directions of travel. This will allow service to
continue, but not as frequently as scheduled. If trains are crowded (for instance during
rush hour in downtown or the TMC) or if both tracks are blocked, METRO will provide
dedicated "Rail Shuttle" buses to transport passengers to stops adjacent to rail
platforms along the line.
What Should You Do?
If you are waiting to board a train or approaching a rail platform when service has been interrupted, pay close attention to the audio and visual platform announcements. These
messages provide important information about the status of train service and when it is
necessary to board a rail shuttle bus or other alternative bus service. A map is attached
to the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at each rail platform showing where to board
rail shuttle buses and alternative bus routes in the immediate area.
If train service is running on a "single track," announcements will direct passengers to
board at the rail platform serving that track. For example, if trains are operating in both
directions on the northbound track and you wish to travel southbound, you must board
at the northbound platform.
What You Should Know
If you are waiting to board a train or approaching a rail
platform when service has been interrupted, pay close attention to the audio and
visual platform announcements. These messages provide important information
about the status of train service and when it is necessary to board a rail
shuttle bus or other alternative bus service. A map is attached to the Ticket
Vending Machines (TVMs) at each rail platform showing where to board rail
shuttle buses and alternative bus routes in the immediate area (see example
above).
If train service is running on a "single track," announcements will
direct passengers to board at the rail platform serving that track. For example,
if trains are operating in both directions on the northbound track and you wish
to travel southbound, you must board at the northbound platform.
Rail Shuttle Buses
When it is necessary to board a rail shuttle bus, look for the "700 Rail Shuttle Bus" which will be displayed on the bus destination sign located above the windshield. No
transfer is needed; however, the bus operator may ask to see your rail ticket or other
proof of purchase.
Where to Board
From Fannin South Station to Bell Station:
Service will operate along the rail line. Passengers will board the rail shuttle bus
curbside across from each platform at the nearest intersection.
From Bell Station to UH-Downtown Station:
Service will operate on east and west streets crossing Main. Passengers will board the
rail shuttle bus curbside at the intersection adjacent to each platform.
From UH-Downtown Station to Northline Transit Center/HCC Station:
Rail shuttle bus service varies with each shutdown. Please check your station platform
for details.
Rail shuttle buses will stop at METRO bus stops with the "METRORail Emergency
Shuttle Bus Stop" listed on the stop sign.