Transforming Transit: City of Houston and METRO Partnership Powers Microtransit Downtown

In December, METRO expanded its microtransit partnership with the City of Houston and Evolve Houston to include service in Second Ward, Third Ward, and downtown Houston.

The innovative service features small, electric vehicles designed for short-distance routes, offering eco-friendly and convenient transportation options where distance, inclement weather, hazardous crossings, or other mobility challenges have kept people from reaching traditional bus and rail services. Customers can easily track shuttles, view service maps and check operating hours through the Ride Circuit app.

“Microtransit is a proven solution to get more people where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “Connected communities are safer communities, and bringing microtransit to Houston builds on my promise for smart, fiscally-sound infrastructure growth.”

The shuttles operate within a designated zone to connect riders to essential destinations like METRO transit centers, bus stops, rail stations, grocery stores and medical facilities. The service has already made a positive impact in zones of Houston's Second and Third Wards.

"Integrating microtransit into METRO’s public transit system demonstrates a commitment to finding innovative solutions that meet our customers where they are," said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. "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.”

The expansion is part of the METRONow plan, a multifaced initiative focused on ridership growth, sustainability, and quality of life enhancements to foster a robust transit culture across the Houston region.

“Our microtransit service is a game-changer for connecting people, and we are thrilled to launch it in downtown Houston,” said Evolve Executive Director Casey Brown. “The all-electric, on-demand service complements METRO's existing fixed-route systems while offering a new solution for short trips. This launch marks an important milestone for our service, and we look forward to introducing additional zones in the new year--improving access to public transit and local destinations."