Media Hot Line 713.739.4040 

Release Date: 
Aug. 11, 2017

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.

Top Three Tips for Back-to-School Safety and Savings

Safety lessons start for Houston students before they hit the classroom. 

When school starts at the 25 schools and university campuses near or along METRORail, METRO Police Officers and METRO staff will be on several platforms sharing life-saving information with parents and students.  

Here are three tips for parents to keep their children safe this school year and save money.

1. Download MPD Connect -  MPD Connect, allows our customers to talk directly to an MPD officer.
2. Attend Community Events - Parents can visit our booth at the Mayor’s Back to School Fest tomorrow, Aug. 12, 2017 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.  METRO staff will be on site issuing METRO Q® Fare Cards and explaining how students can plan a trip.
3. Register for the Summer of Fun Pass - Students who have not yet received the Summer of Fun pass can pick one up at the METRO booth inside the GRB at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.  The Summer of Fun promotion offers school children free unlimited rides until Sept. 1, 2017.  After the promotion, the card can still be used as a student METRO Q® Fare card and be reloaded at any time.  Students pay half the price of a single trip, which includes Park & Ride routes.