What's happening?
According to a Dec. 16 news release, METRO partnered with the city of Houston and Evolve Houston, a nonprofit focused on expanding electric vehicles in the Greater Houston region, to expand its microtransit services to previously underserved areas, including downtown Houston, Second Ward and Third Ward.
Micotransit, according to the Federal Transit Administration, is a technology-enabled service that uses multi-passenger vehicles to provide on-demand services to a specific region.
METRO's microtransit shuttles will operate within a designated zone to connect riders to essential destinations like transit centers, bus stops, rail stations, grocery stores and medical facilities.
“Microtransit is a proven solution to get more people where they need to go safely and efficiently,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. “Connected communities are safer communities, and bringing microtransit to Houston builds on my promise for smart, fiscally-sound infrastructure growth.”
Taking a step back
The expansion is part of the METRONow plan, a multi-faced initiative focused on ridership growth, sustainability and quality of life enhancements, per the release.
METRO officials originally approved a $1.9 billion budget in November for projects in 2024 and 2025 intended to increase ridership and improve services.
METRO Chair Elizabeth Brock said in a previous interview with Community Impact that the budget will be used to shift the focus of the transit authority away from its current status as a "needed" mode of transportation to one that people would "want" to use.
The METRONow initiative includes new buses, better service times, enhanced public safety and expansion of services, she said.
More details
In the Dec. 16 news release, Brock said integrating microtransit into METRO's public transit system demonstrates another level of the authority's commitment to finding a solution to meet customers where they are.
"This on-demand service provides a flexible, easier way to reach METRO buses and rail lines and will grow ridership by solving the first and last mile challenges that have hindered people’s ability to choose METRO," she said.
Customers who use the electric vehicles can easily track shuttles, view service maps and check operating hours through the Ride Circuit app.
