Release Date: April 1, 2020
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

Essential Service Keeps Rolling with METRO's Vigilant Response

METRO continues to support local public health officials' response to COVID-19 and assist in hopefully reducing its spread. The efforts include modifying service to connect essential workers to their jobs, instituting rear-boarding for most passengers and encouraging social distancing.

Providing Essential Service Schedules have been modified to only provide the most essential service. For example, about one third of Texas Medical Center employees depend on METRO to get to work. Click here or the image to see how METRO's operators are on the front lines connecting passengers to those destinations.

Social Distancing METRO has reduced customer seating by 50 percent to encourage social distancing. Passengers must use the rear door when boarding and exiting a local bus. Fare collection is also temporarily suspended. Click here or the image to see how METRO staff quickly mobilized to get out that message.

Enhanced Sanitation & Cleaning  METRO continues putting an even greater emphasis on disinfecting surfaces frequently touched by the public during our midday and evening bus and rail cleanings. Click here or the image to watch video of bus cleaning and click here to see how parts of our rail platforms are sanitized.

Safety Education & Messaging 

The Authority is also displaying posters, digital signage and issuing service alerts that remind riders of public health officials' recommendations to stop the spread of germs.

Passengers are reminded to only take essential trips to support essential services and follow the advice of public health officials.  Customers should check service alerts, METRO's social media channels and ridemetro.org for updated schedule information.

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.