Trackway Allocation

All contractors or individuals working in or near the METRORail Safety Zone must complete the METRO Roadway Worker Protection Training. This requirement is based on federal regulation 49 C.F.R. pt. 671 (2025).

Training sessions are limited to 25 participants and are held in person at the METRO Service and Inspection (S&I) Facility, located at 5880 Texas St., Houston, Texas, 77011.

After completing the course, participants will receive a Roadway Worker Protection certification card, which is valid for two years. The card must be carried at all times when working in the safety zone as proof of certification.

View the RWP Training Schedule >

Submit the Trackway Allocation Request Form by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday prior to the week of the scheduled work. Email the completed form to TrackAccess@RideMETRO.org.

Attend a Trackway Allocation meeting to review the scope of work being done and discuss any issues that need to be addressed before work is to commence. You must attend this meeting at least one week prior to the date of the requested work. If needed, these meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 10:00 am at the Rail Operations Center (ROC) Facility, located at 1601 W Bellfort Blvd.

All interested parties will receive a Track Access Schedule via email by the close of business each Friday. The Track Access Schedule is published weekly and indicates the authorized work for the following week. The weekly schedule runs from Sunday at 12:01 a.m. through Saturday at 11:59 p.m.

Once approved, you will receive your Work Permit as a PDF via email. It's valid only for the dates and times shown on the permit and must be available at the work site for inspection.

The permit also establishes work area limits, which cannot be exceeded without authorization from Rail Control (713-843-5499 or 713-982-8166).

All Roadway Workers in Charge (RWIC) of work crews or individuals must notify Rail Control prior to entering the Trackway and again immediately upon leaving the Trackway.

You will receive your Work Permit as a PDF via email before getting a Red Tag. The Work Permit must be at the work site before a Red Tag is issued. The Red Tag will be issued at the work site.

Prior to beginning work under Red Tag Procedures, your designated representative or Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC) will meet with Traction Power personnel, who will identify work limits and demonstrate power removal. Once complete, the Red Tag will be issued.

Your designated representative or Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC) must maintain a method of communication with the Rail Control Center, Traction Power designee and the METRORail Station Office at all times.

It's mandatory that the Red Tag holder remains at the work site with the Work Permit and Red Tag. Promptly return the Red Tag to the appropriate Traction Power personnel after the work is complete.