Officials with the Houston-Galveston Area Council, a regional transportation organization in Texas, recently launched a new website designed to help commuters and employers plan ahead as the city prepares for a busy summer chock-full of events.
Why now?
Houston is preparing to hold seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in June-July, as well as a 39-day fan festival. Over the course of those two months, the city will also host several Houston Astros games and a large Independence Day celebration.
The combination of events is expected to bring more than 500,000 visitors to the area between June 14 and July 19, according to a March 13 news release from H-GAC.
Why it matters
Transportation research shows that major sporting events, like FIFA and MLB matches, can increase traffic by 20%-40% in nearby areas.
High-congestion zones and major corridors such as Loop 610 near NRG Stadium, I-45 and Highways 59 and 69 through Downtown Houston are expected to see an increase in traffic during these summer events.
“Our region is known for its hospitality and its passion for sports,” said Ron Papsdorf, chief transportation officer with H-GAC. “As we welcome fans from around the world, we want our residents and businesses to be prepared. [This website] helps people make informed travel choices so everyone can enjoy a safe and successful summer.”
What you need to know
The website, www.commutegameplan.com, showcases:
- A calendar that highlights high-traffic days
- Maps showing corridors expected to see heavier congestion
- Park and ride, vanpool, and public transportation information
- Tips for adjusting work schedules or teleworking
- Planning guides for busy event days
The website is free and open to residents across the Greater Houston region, as well as employers looking for alternative transportation options for workers.
Something to note
Robyn Egbert, travel demand management supervisor for H-GAC, said the transportation council spent approximately six months working on the website so that residents can have one website with all the details.
"As we started to attend more stakeholder meetings, it became really apparent that there is a lot of information out there, but it's housed in different places," she said. "What we wanted to do is bring it all together and aggregate the information."
One more thing
The Commute Game Plan website combines all park and ride locations across the region, including options from Conroe, Baytown, Humble, Katy, The Woodlands, Houston and Cypress.
The website also provides direct links to METRO's Vanpool choices, ConnectSmart's carpool features, and TranStars' current traffic and road conditions map.
