On this page, you can get answers to common questions about riding METRO, all in one place.
The regular fare to board is $1.25
The discounted fare is 60 cents.
The following passengers ride free:
You can pay your local bus fare using any of the following:
The All About Fares page has information on where you can obtain various fare cards.
If you pay your fare using a METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Q Mobile Ticket, METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:
For transfers to Park & Ride bus service, you only pay the fare difference for up to three hours in any direction.
If you wish to pay with a mobile ticket and plan to ride or transfer to a Park & Ride bus during your trip, you'll need to purchase and activate a Park & Ride mobile ticket. It's valid for three hours once activated and entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value during that time.
Only regular fare mobile tickets are available for purchase.
A route selector is accessible directly on the website home page, linking you directly to a page for the local bus route of your choice.
At the top of each individual route page, you’ll find:
On the METRO website, there’s a route map on each individual route page.
You can also use the website's Interactive System Map (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer). In the bus section of the map, you can check a box next to any METRO bus route and the map will draw a line showing the entire route and where it runs.
If you’d prefer a physical map, we include a map image in the printed brochure for each individual bus route. Brochures are available for free at all METRO RideStore locations:
Trip planning tools are available on:
METRO local buses make stops at the following locations
All METRO buses have large, bright destination signs on the front of the bus above the windshield and along the passenger’s side, near the front door. These digital displays include the route number and destination.
Where can I see if my route has alerts or detours?Route Alerts or detours could affect your vehicle’s arrival time and/or the length of your trip. Subscribing to receive this information is a convenient way to know before you go.
On the METRO website, you can subscribe to receive notifications direct to your phone or email for the bus, rail, METRORapid and/or METRO curb2curb routes of your choice.
The quickest and easiest signup option can be found on each individual route page.
If you prefer, there’s also a Get Text and Email Alerts page where you can subscribe to multiple routes simultaneously.
All subscriptions are free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
If you don’t wish to subscribe, you can use any of the following:
METRO offers a rider tool called Next Bus Texting. To use it, you'll need to know your stop number. It's posted on the bus stop sign at every bus stop location. Just text that stop number to 697433. We'll then text you back the scheduled arrival time (SC) and estimated real-time arrival (RT) of the next bus for all routes that stop at your location.
Estimated arrival times can also be accessed on:
Increasingly, estimated arrival information will also be displayed digitally at bus stop locations and transit centers throughout the region. Transit centers are sheltered waiting areas where you can transfer to other METRO routes and services that provide access to even more destinations. They’re often found at the beginning or end of a bus route.
These digitally displayed passenger information enhancements are part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, to create a better customer experience.
If you don’t require assistance, enter through the front doors, pay your fare and choose an open seat. Please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).
If you’re using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or walker, wait for the operator to activate an accessible ramp which will allow you easy access through the front doors. You can then pay your fare and proceed to one of the priority seating areas.
How do I pay my fare when I board?Any METRO fare card:
Tap your card on the validator and the fare amount will be deducted. If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well. Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.
METRO Q Mobile Ticket:
Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Show that to the bus operator as you board.
Cash:
Deposit cash and/or coins into the farebox when you board the bus.
No change is given and transfers to other METRO services aren’t included.
Can I bring an animal onboard?Yes, based on the guidance below:
Service animals
You’re allowed to travel with a service animal.
Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and must be kept under the handler’s control.
Non-service animals (including emotional support animals)
You’re allowed to travel with non-service animals (pets) on METRO vehicles, but they must be transported and properly restrained in an animal carrier at all times.
The regular fare to board ranges from $2-8. So a round-trip can cost $4-$16.
The discounted fare to board ranges from $1-4. So a round-trip can cost $2-8.
Fares vary by zone. To find out what zone you’re in, visit the Park & Ride bus page.
The following passengers ride free:
You can pay your Park & Ride bus fare using any of the following:
The All About Fares page has information on where you can obtain various fare cards.
Are transfers included when I ride a Park & Ride bus?If you pay your fare using a METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Q Mobile Ticket (Park & Ride version), METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:
Depending on where your Park & Ride bus stops along its route, connections may be available to one or more of those services.
For transfers to a Park & Ride bus route with a higher cost, you only pay the fare difference for up to three hours in any direction.
NOTE: If you use a METRO Day Pass on Park & Ride service, the cost to ride doesn't get applied to the maximum daily card deduction. Because of that, we don’t recommend using a METRO Day Pass on Park & Ride service.
You may park in the parking lot of the facility where you’re boarding a Park & Ride bus. Lots are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you plan to park for three consecutive days, you must contact the METRO Police Department to make a request in advance. Otherwise, your car is subject to being towed.
Do I have to pay to park?It’s free to park at any METRO Park & Ride facility.
Are Park & Ride lots patrolled at all times?No. The METRO Police Department patrols Park & Ride lots periodically. However, there's no full-time security onsite and METRO doesn't monitor Park & Ride lots around the clock.
A route selector is accessible directly on the website home page, linking you directly to the Park & Ride bus route page of your choice.
Each individual route page includes:
You can also use the website's Interactive System Map (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer).
In the bus section of the map, you can check a box next to any METRO bus route and the map will draw a line showing the entire route and where it runs.
If you’d prefer a physical map, we include a map image in the printed brochure for each individual bus route. Brochures are available for free at all METRO RideStore locations:
Route Alerts or detours could affect your vehicle’s arrival time and/or the length of your trip. Subscribing to receive this information is a convenient way to know before you go.
On the METRO website, you can subscribe to receive notifications direct to your phone or email for the bus, rail, METRORapid and/or METRO curb2curb routes of your choice.
The quickest and easiest signup option can be found on each individual route page.
If you prefer, there’s also a Get Text and Email Alerts page where you can subscribe to multiple routes simultaneously.
All subscriptions are free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
If you don’t wish to subscribe, you can use any of the following:
You can also use our Trip Planner which is available on:
METRO offers a rider tool called Next Bus Texting. To use it, you'll need to know your stop number. It's posted on the bus stop sign at every bus stop location. Just text that stop number to 697433. We'll then text you back the scheduled arrival time (SC) and estimated real-time arrival (RT) of the next bus for all routes that stop at your location.
Estimated arrival times can also be accessed on:
Increasingly, estimated arrival information will also be displayed digitally at bus stop locations and transit centers throughout the region. Transit centers are sheltered waiting areas where you can transfer to other METRO routes and services that provide access to even more destinations. They’re often found at the beginning or end of a bus route.
These digitally displayed passenger information enhancements are part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, to create a better customer experience.
You can access METRO Park & Ride buses throughout the region at:
If you don’t require assistance, enter through the front doors, pay your fare and choose an open seat. Please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).
If you’re using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or walker, wait for the operator to activate an accessible ramp which will allow you easy access through the front doors. You can then pay your fare and proceed to one of the priority seating areas.
How do I pay my fare when I board?Any METRO fare card:
Tap your card on the validator and the fare amount will be deducted. If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well. Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.
METRO Q Mobile Ticket:
Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Show that to the bus operator as you board.
Cash:
Deposit cash and/or coins into the farebox when you board the bus.
No change is given and transfers to other METRO local services aren’t included.
What amenities are available on Park & Ride buses?Park & Ride bus amenities allow you to drive less and do more. They include:
The regular fare to board is $1.25
The discounted fare is 60 cents.
The following passengers ride free:
You can pay your METRORail fare using any of the following:
The All About Fares page has information on where you can obtain various fare cards.
Are transfers included when I ride METRORail?If you pay your fare using a METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Q Mobile Ticket, METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:
When paying with a METRORail paper ticket, transfers to other METRO services aren’t included.
For transfers to Park & Ride bus service, you only pay the fare difference for up to three hours in any direction.
If you wish to pay with a mobile ticket and plan to ride or transfer to a Park & Ride bus during your trip, you'll need to purchase and activate a Park & Ride mobile ticket. It's valid for three hours once activated and entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value during that time.
Only regular fare mobile tickets are available for purchase.
Frequency of service, a stop-by-stop schedule, a PDF schedule and a linear route map for each METRORail line are found on the METRORail page.
Is there a map of the METRORail lines?A linear route map for each METRORail line is found on the METRORail page.
You can also use our Interactive System Map (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer). In the rail section of the map, you can check a box next to any METRORail line and the map will draw a line showing the entire route and where it runs.
If you’d prefer a physical map, we include a map image in the printed brochure for each individual METRORail line. Brochures are available for free at all METRO RideStore locations:
Trip planning tools are available on:
METRORail trains make stops at rail station platforms along city streets in and around downtown Houston. You can also board a METRORail train at the following transit centers:
All METRORail trains have large, bright destination signs on the front of the train above the windshield and along the side of the train as it pulls into the station.
Red Line trains would say one of the following:
Green Line trains would say one of the following:
Purple Line trains would say one of the following:
Alerts or detours could affect your train’s arrival time and/or the length of your trip. Subscribing to receive this information is a convenient way to know before you go.
On the METRO website, you can subscribe to receive notifications direct to your phone or email.
The quickest and easiest signup option can be found next to each rail line on the METRORail page.
All subscriptions are free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
If you don’t wish to subscribe, you can use any of the following:
You can also use our Trip Planner which is available on:
All METRORail platforms have scrolling digital messages in both English and Spanish that display the estimated wait time for the next train.
Estimated wait times are also posted at select transit centers where METRORail is available.
Transit centers are sheltered waiting areas where you can transfer to other METRO routes and services that provide access to even more destinations.
Certain locations feature digital signs and screens displaying service alerts and estimated wait times for routes that stop there.
This information is also available on:
First, please let riders exit the train before you board. After all riders have disembarked through the railcar doors, please enter the train and choose an open seat. Please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).
All METRORail platforms are accessible under the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They offer sloped ramp access from both ends of the platform and level boarding that easily accommodates mobility devices.
How do I pay my fare?Any METRO fare card:
Prior to boarding, tap your card on the validator located on the rail platform and the fare amount will be deducted. Some fare validators are located on freestanding poles. Others are attached to ticket vending machines.
If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well. Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.
METRO Q Mobile Ticket (only regular fare available):
Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the rail platform prior to boarding or on the train during your ride.
METRORail Ticket:
All METRORail platforms have ticket vending machines where you can purchase a three-hour METRORail ticket for $1.25.
The machines accept cash, credit card or debit card.
Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the rail platform prior to boarding or on the train during your ride.
Can I bring an animal onboard?Yes, based on the guidance below:
Service animals
You’re allowed to travel with a service animal.
Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and must be kept under the handler’s control.
Non-service animals (including emotional support animals)
You’re allowed to travel with non-service animals (pets) on METRO vehicles, but they must be transported and properly restrained in an animal carrier at all times.
The regular fare to board is $1.25
The discounted fare is 60 cents.
The following passengers ride free:
You can pay your METRORapid fare using any of the following:
The All About Fares page of the website has information on where you can obtain various fare cards.
Are transfers included when I ride METRORapid?If you pay your fare using a METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Q Mobile Ticket, METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:
When paying with a METRORapid paper ticket, transfers to other METRO services aren’t included.
For transfers to Park & Ride bus service, you only pay the fare difference for up to three hours in any direction.
If you wish to pay with a mobile ticket and plan to ride or transfer to a Park & Ride bus during your trip, you'll need to purchase and activate a Park & Ride mobile ticket. It's valid for three hours once activated and entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value during that time.
Only regular fare mobile tickets are available for purchase.
Currently, the only active METRORapid route is the Silver Line. Frequency of service and a route map for the Silver Line is found on the METRORapid page.
At the top of the page, you’ll find:
A route map is found on the METRORapid page.
You can also use our Interactive System Map (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer). In the bus route section of the map, you can check a box next to the 433 Silver Line and the map will draw a line showing the entire route and where it runs.
If you’d prefer a physical map, we include a map image in the printed brochure for the METRORapid SIlver Line. Brochures are available for free at all METRO RideStore locations:
Trip planning tools are available on:
METRORapid Silver Line vehicles make stops at station platforms along Post Oak Blvd. in Uptown. You can also board at the following transit centers:
METRORapid is a silver and black colored vehicle that looks like a bus but runs like rail.
The name METRORapid is clearly visible on the front and sides of the bus.
And all METRORapid vehicles have large, bright destination signs on the front above the windshield and along both sides of the vehicle, near the front. These digital displays include the route number and destination.
Where can I see if there are alerts or detours?Alerts or detours could affect your vehicle’s arrival time and/or the length of your trip. Subscribing to receive this information is a convenient way to know before you go.
On the METRO website, you can subscribe to receive notifications direct to your phone or email.
The quickest and easiest signup option can be found next to the Silver Line information on the METRORapid page.
All subscriptions are free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
If you don’t wish to subscribe, you can use any of the following:
You can also use our Trip Planner which is available on:
All METRORapid platforms have scrolling digital messages in both English and Spanish that display the estimated wait time for the next vehicle.
Estimated wait times are also posted at the transit centers where METRORapid is available.
Transit centers are sheltered waiting areas where you can transfer to other METRO routes and services that provide access to even more destinations.
Each location features digital signs and screens displaying service alerts and estimated wait times for routes that stop there.
This information is also available on:
First, please let riders exit the vehicle before you board. After all riders have disembarked through the side doors, please enter and choose an open seat. Please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).
All METRORapid platforms are accessible under the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They offer sloped ramp access from both ends of the platform and level boarding that easily accommodates mobility devices.
How do I pay my fare?Any METRO fare card:
Prior to boarding, tap your card on the validator located on the platform and the fare amount will be deducted.
If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well.
Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.
METRO Q Mobile Ticket (only regular fare available):
Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the platform prior to boarding or on the vehicle during your ride.
METRORapid Ticket:
All METRORapid platforms have ticket vending machines where you can purchase a three-hour METRORapid ticket for $1.25.
The machines accept cash, credit card or debit card.
Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the platform prior to boarding or on the vehicle during your ride.
Can I bring an animal onboard?Yes, based on the guidance below:
Service animals
You’re allowed to travel with a service animal.
Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and must be kept under the handler’s control.
Non-service animals (including emotional support animals)
You’re allowed to travel with non-service animals (pets) on METRO vehicles, but they must be transported and properly restrained in an animal carrier at all times.
The regular fare to board is $1.25
The discounted fare is 60 cents.
The following ride for free:
Upon boarding, you can pay your curb2curb fare using any of the following:
The All About Fares page has information on where you can obtain them.
Are transfers included when I ride curb2curb?Yes. Whether you pay your fare with a fare card or mobile ticket, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:
If your trip includes a Park & Ride bus, and you plan to use a mobile ticket, you'll need to purchase and activate a Park & Ride mobile ticket. It's valid for three hours once activated and entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value during that time.
If you can’t get to a designated pickup location, you can book a trip one of two ways:
With either method, you can specify the exact location where you want to be picked up and dropped off.
Whether you book a ride through the app or over the phone, all reservations are subject to availability.
How far in advance do I need to book?Whether you book a ride through the app or over the phone, you can book a ride as early as seven days in advance, and as late as 15 minutes before your desired pick-up time.
For instance, if you need to be picked up at 11:00 a.m. – you would need to have your trip booked no later than 10:45 a.m.
All reservations are subject to availability.
Where can I get the METRO curb2curb phone app?If you have an iPhone, you can download the app from the App Store.
If you have an Android, you can download the app from Google Play.
Just search for METRO curb2curb
Each curb2curb route has its own designated pickup locations where you can walk right up and board.
For more information, visit the METRO curb2curb page where you can select your specific route.
What type of vehicle should I look for?METRO curb2curb vehicles are clearly marked. There are two types:
Either one may pick you up, based on availability.
Is the vehicle accessible?Yes. All curb2curb vehicles are accessible under the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Hours of operation vary by route. For more information, visit the METRO curb2curb page where you can select your specific route.
How and when do I pay my fare?METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card:
Tap your card on the validator as you enter the vehicle and the fare amount will be deducted. If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well. Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.
METRO Q Mobile Ticket (only regular fare available):
Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Show that to the operator as you board.
Will the operator know where to drop me off?If you book your ride in advance, whether through the METRO curb2curb app or over the phone, the operator will already know your dropoff location.
If you board at a designated pickup location, just let the operator know where in the service area you need to be dropped off.
If you’re a person with a disability, you’re eligible to become a METROLift customer if you meet at least one of these criteria:
Eligibility decisions are based upon information provided by healthcare professionals and your functional abilities to navigate the fixed-route bus and rail system in accordance with the ADA.
Eligible riders’ certification will be classified as permanent, standard, or temporary.
Riders classified as standard or temporary will be notified by letter to reapply for services 60 days prior to the end of their eligibility period.
If I think I’m eligible, what should I do next?You must apply and do an in-person interview. You’ll then receive a final decision regarding your eligibility in writing within 21 days.
For more information, including how to apply, visit the METROLift page.
In the base service area, METROLift fares are just $1.25 for a one-way trip ($2.50 round trip). In the extended service area, the fare is $2.50 for a one-way trip ($5 round trip). If either your origin or destination (or both) are outside the base service area, the cost is $2.50 for a one-way trip ($5 for a round trip),
The base service area covers most of Harris County.
The extended service area includes locations:
If you're not sure which area your origin or destination point is in, and need to calculate your fare, view the METROLift service area on our Interactive System Map.
When I board, how do I pay my fare?If you make your reservation over the phone, you’ll need to:
If you make your reservation online, your account will immediately be debited and the driver will be notified. So you won’t have to hand the driver a ticket or pass. You’ll only need to show them your photo ID or METRO Freedom Q® Card.
All METROLift customers automatically receive a METRO Freedom Q® Card when their eligibility is initially certified.
Is METROLift ever free?Yes, when either of the following takes place:
Single ride tickets can be purchased individually or in a sheet of 11. They’re available at:
You can also order single ride tickets through the mail.
For more information, visit the METROLift page
Where do I buy a monthly pass?A monthly pass can be purchased at:
You can also order a monthly pass through the mail.
For more information, visit the METROLift page.
Where do I buy an annual pass?An annual pass can be purchased at the following METRO RideStore locations:
You can also order an annual pass through the mail.
For more information, visit the METROLift page.
There are three ways you can schedule a trip on METROLift:
There are also three ways you can confirm or cancel your trip on METROLift:
For more information, visit the METROLift page.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my trip?On Fridays, a live agent can schedule trips for Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
In all other instances and with all other methods, trips must be scheduled the day before travel.
The time windows during which trips can be scheduled vary depending on the method you use:
If something comes up and you need to schedule a trip on the same day, you can call METROLift at 713-652-8015.
You can book trips up to four miles one way.
Trips in the base service area: require one one-way trip ticket each way ($2.50 round trip)
Trips in the extended service area: require two one-way trip tickets each way ($5 round trip)
Our goal is to serve trips within one hour of your request.
Each trip is subject to availability.
When booking your trip, you'll be given a requested time with a plus or minus 20-minute scheduling window. If the scheduling window does not meet your needs, you may negotiate a new scheduling window of one hour before or after your requested time.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), travel times and the timeliness of service are comparable to METRO local bus service.
What if I need to cancel my trip?Trips can be canceled online or over the phone 24 hours a day. You can cancel your trip in any of these ways:
A no-show is when the vehicle arrives at the scheduled time and location on-time but the customer and driver don't connect, and the driver leaves without the customer.
A late cancellation is when a trip is canceled less than two hours before the customer's scheduled pick-up time.
Excessive no-shows or late cancellations that are within your control negatively affect on-time performance and service quality for other passengers. Therefore, customers with excessive no-shows / late cancellations may risk suspension of their METROLift riding privileges.
How can I verify my trip?Trips can be verified online or over the phone 24 hours a day. You can cancel your trip in any of these ways:
You can access an online copy of the METROLift program guide here or request a printed copy by calling METROLift Customer Service (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 713-225-0119.
What type of vehicle will pick me up?An ADA-accessible van (pictured first) or ADA-accessible minivan (pictured second). Both accommodate a variety of mobility devices including wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. Customers may not request specific vehicle types.
Although you don’t get to choose which vehicle will pick you up, the size of your mobility equipment could determine vehicle type.
Can I bring an animal onboard?Service animal
Yes. You’re allowed to travel with a service animal.
Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and must be kept under the handler’s control.
Non-service animals (including emotional support animals)
Yes. You’re allowed to travel with non-service animals (pets) on METRO vehicles, but they must be transported and properly restrained in an animal carrier at all times.
What should I do if my ride is late?Please call METROLift Dispatch at 713-255-0410.
Can METROLift pick me up at my address?The METROLift service area covers most of Harris County including portions of Kingwood, Humble and Clear Lake.
To view the service area on a map, visit the METROLift page
For a more detailed view that includes fare information, visit our Interactive System Map.
It’s a rideshare service that allows commuters who share similar travel patterns to lease a van on a month-to-month basis so they can ride to and from work together. This is especially helpful for riders who live in areas where METRO bus service isn’t available.
Where does the service operate?METRO Star Vanpool operates in eight counties: Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller.
Why should I consider using the service?Because you would save money on gas, tolls, maintenance and other commuting costs. This can add up to thousands of dollars in savings every year.
The van travels in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on the major freeways, avoiding stop-and-go traffic and reducing travel time.
And because driving responsibilities are shared, vanpoolers can enjoy more time relaxing during a stress-free commute.
How can I get my company involved in Vanpool?Contact us at 713-224-RIDE or email Star@RideMETRO.org
You can also find our more by visiting our METRO Star Vanpool partners page
Five to 15 people ride in each vanpool.
How do I get into a vanpool?Please register for an online account and answer a few questions. This information helps us determine if you’re looking to get matched with an existing vanpool or if you’d like to start a new vanpool.
How much does it cost?The cost is calculated according to mileage, the number of riders and the size of the vehicle.
The average cost per passenger is just $4-6 a day. That amount factors in the rider's share of the monthly lease (including insurance and maintenance), in addition to:
Some employers offer a transit benefit that lowers the cost even more.
How are the vehicle’s monthly expenses handled?METRO Star Vanpool offers the convenience of easy online payments of the monthly lease cost.
Operating expenses like gas, tolls, parking, etc. are generally split among the vanpoolers.
What if there’s a dispute among the group about expenses?Each rider is responsible for their own seat cost and is aware of that cost. If someone disputes their charges, the METRO Star Vanpool billing team handles that dispute, not any of the other riders.
Is the van insured?Yes. Each van has complete comprehensive coverage up to $1 million.
What ground rules are set for the vanpool?Each group makes its own rules. The driver is usually responsible for settling issues; however, if you can’t resolve a concern, we’re happy to help.
Am I guaranteed to get matched with a vanpool?If there aren’t enough riders to form a vanpool in your area, you may be placed into a carpool, which has fewer riders.
An approved volunteer from the group drives, allowing the vehicle to always stay in possession of the group. Once the group is formed, we work with you to find a convenient location for all the vanpoolers to meet. Everyone parks their car and then rides together to work. At the end of the workday, the approved volunteer drops everyone back off at that same location.
The group also decides who can keep the vehicle for limited, personal use outside of business hours.
What if the designated driver is sick or on vacation?Each vanpool has one or two approved backup drivers who can take over driving responsibilities as needed.
Is vehicle maintenance provided?Yes. METRO Star Vanpool will maintain and repair the vehicle when necessary. If it needs to be kept overnight, a backup vehicle will be provided.
Vanpooling is a month-to-month commitment. There are no long-term obligations. However, if you pay your fare at the beginning of the month, you’re committing to ride that month. If at some point that month you stop riding, any partial refunds are at the discretion of the group.
What if I have an emergency during the day?If you have an emergency and need to leave work early, call METRO Star Vanpool at 713-224-RIDE (7433). If we approve your trip (three maximum per year), you’ll be provided a ride to your destination. We’ll cover the cost of the ride, minus tips (which are optional).
This program operates weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Juneteenth, Labor Day Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
What if I have a disability?We arrange vehicles as needed to meet ADA requirements. Most vans are equipped with running boards and handles to assist riders with boarding. We work with vanpool groups that require ADA accommodations to find the most convenient and comfortable option to accommodate all riders, including those with disabilities.
As a practical matter, vanpool groups often struggle to retain enough riders when there are expectations of accommodating one or more riders who need assistance to board the van. We work to offset this by covering any extra costs that result from providing accessible vehicles.
In the past, we've provided a special vehicle equipped for low-floor side ramp access for a rider in a wheelchair. We installed a floor locking feature to match the one the rider had in her personal vehicle, resulting in a bi-reconfiguration of her wheelchair. Without the modifications, the group would have been in a minivan with seven passengers sharing the cost. So we priced the van such that the riders paid the same amount they would have paid individually if they were part of a seven-passenger group in a minivan.
Some vanpools allow part-time riders on an as-needed basis. If you can’t commit to full-time status, you may want to consider this. You would pay to ride as long as a seat is available.
