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Release Date: 
July 30, 2019

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.

Free Trips on I-45 HOV Lane Keep Rolling

METRO's popular I-45 North HOV pilot program will be extended. 

The North Freeway High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane will continue to be open to inbound traffic only, on weekends though Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. Use of the lane is free during specified hours (see chart below) and no minimum number of occupants is required. Towed trailers and trucks over one-ton are prohibited from accessing the lane.

The pilot program which began in May was initially slated to end this month. The usage has risen over the summer months reaching an average of 4662 vehicles per day. METRO decided to extend the program due to the initial success and desire to track usage during the school year. Weekend commuters will continue to enjoy drives into downtown without having to battle congested roadways. 

An interactive map with a list of I-45 North / North Freeway entrances can be found here.

METRO's I-45 North / North Freeway HOT (Express) lanes will open to inbound traffic from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekends through Sept. 29 Click to enlarge.