It's been nearly a month since METRO's Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to keep its HOV/HOT Express Lanes on Interstate 45, U.S. Highway 59, and U.S. Highway 290 permanently open on weekends for motorists.

To mark the occasion and in recognition of Commute Solutions Month, METRO joined community partners, including the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s (H-GAC) Director of Transportation Craig Raborn and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, to celebrate the success of the region's newest travel benefit.

METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said traffic and congestion in the Houston region aren't just limited to weekdays anymore. He added that the Authority and its partners are focused on finding solutions.

"We all have a collective goal, working toward mobility solutions to improve everyone's commute, Monday through Friday — and on the weekend," said Ramabhadran. "This is the first of many more improvements to come for our commuter network."

Commissioner Garcia said the weekend hours are a welcome development for a growing region where economic activity doesn't take a day off. "When you look at our freeways today, they are full every day of the week," said Garcia. "We must ensure we provide every asset available so folks can get to and from work, school, or other important activities."

"When you look at our freeways today, they are full every day of the week," said Garcia. "We must ensure we provide every asset available so folks can get to and from work, school, or other important activities."

Raborn echoed Garcia's sentiment, adding that weekend hours of operation mean more opportunities for reducing traffic on Houston area freeways.

"Traffic is back on the weekends. These solutions help everyone whether they use the HOV or not," said Raborn. "Every high-occupancy vehicle traveling on the lane takes at least one car off the road."

The weekend operation of METRO's HOV/HOT Express Lanes follows the same schedule, occupancy requirements, and tolls as weekdays. For more information, visit METRO's website.

Watch Video: METRO celebrates a successful month of improving travel in the region through its HOV/HOT Express Lanes — now permanently open seven days a week.