Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Release Date:  Sept. 13, 2021
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040 | Email: Media@ridemetro.org

Update #1: METRO to Suspend Service Ahead of Tropical Storm

METRO will suspend light rail and local bus service this evening, Monday, Sept. 13, due to hazardous weather across the region. The last trips for METRORail and local bus will be at 7 p.m.  Riders should plan accordingly and move up their last trips to an earlier time or arrange for other transportation. 

METROLift customers are also urged to reschedule trips for earlier in the day. Customers should contact the METROLift Reservations Center at 713-225-6716 or the Dispatch Center at 713-225-0410.

For riders' convenience, METRO's Customer Service Call Center will extend its regular hours until 10 p.m. That number is 713-635-4000.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, METRO will continue to monitor the severe weather and will resume METRORail, local bus service, and METROLift only when it is safe to do so, and this may be a gradual return based on weather conditions. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, Park & Ride service will be suspended and all HOV/HOT lanes will be closed: 

• I-45 North (North Freeway)
• I-45 South (Gulf Freeway)
• US 59 North (Eastex Freeway)
• US 59 South (Southwest Freeway)
• US 290 West (Northwest Freeway)

These proactive measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of the Authority's customers and employees and are in full support and cooperation with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo as they ask residents to stay off the roads until conditions improve.

Riders are asked to monitor METRO's Twitter and Facebook pages for timely information regarding transit service. METRO also offers real-time information through its service alerts system. METRO's TRIP App and Next Bus Arrival Texting service may not reflect accurate departure and arrival information during this time.

Please note the following:

• METRO advises riders to monitor local media and the National Weather Service for weather updates.
• Current roadway conditions are available on TranStar’s Real-Time Traffic Map.
• These entities are sharing resources with METRO to serve the area: Harris County, the city of Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Their websites provide information about safety, weather, traffic, and more during emergencies.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT lanes, Community Connector microtransit and Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service.  Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the region.  Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the  METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. 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.