The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County began implementing service enhancements June 7 aimed to improve reliability and support increased demand during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to take over Houston in less than a week.
What's changing?
The changes are set to increase frequency and extend operating hours along key transit corridors and major activity centers, according to a June 5 news release. The service changes, which will be ongoing through July 11, include increasing frequency across the Red, Green and Purple METRORail lines, some new park and ride options, and bus route upgrades.
Here are some key changes for residents to be aware of:
- Red Line: extending six-minute frequency to weekends and until 9 p.m. on weekdays and extending daily hours of operation
- Green and Purple lines: increasing frequency from every 18 minutes to every 12 minutes, seven days a week
- During the World Cup, Park & Ride routes will operate seven days a week until midnight; fares range from $2 to $4.50 directly to downtown.
- Community Connector service in downtown will operate with extended hours from June 11 to July 6, with access to the FIFA Fan Festival.
