METRONow: A Vision for Today

ANNA CARPENTER
Deputy Chief of Communications
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
Houston, TX

As the fourth-largest city in the United States and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, Houston is at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of public transit. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is meeting this moment with bold vision, focused investment, and a renewed commitment to serving the people of our region. This effort is embodied in METRO’s new strategic vision: METRONow.

Launched as a comprehensive framework to improve mobility for the entire region and grow ridership on METRO services, METRONow is more than a plan, it’s a promise to deliver safe, reliable, clean, accessible transit. From expanding services—like the addition of microtransit—to repairing pavement on Houston’s busiest corridors to improve METRO’s on-time performance and keep drivers and pedestrians moving safely and with more ease, METRONow is positioning METRO as a national model of adaptive, equitable transit.

Expanding Possibility

One of the most transformative efforts under METRONow is the development of the Gulfton Corridor—a collaborative revitalization project in partnership with the City of Houston and Harris County. This project is more than just a transit enhancement, it addresses quality-of-life issues in one of Houston’s most densely populated and underserved neighborhoods. METRO is investing in sidewalks, roadways, and bus shelters, and we are working with partners on urban design and beautification options that will lower ambient temperatures and make it easier to be outdoors—a formula that encourages safer and more connected communities.

Elevating the Rider Experience

Under METRONow, we’ve placed renewed emphasis on the experience of our customers—because modern transit is about more than getting from point A to point B; it’s about feeling safe, respected, and valued every step of the way.

Our “Universal Accessibility” initiative, a cornerstone of METRONow, has led to the installation of nearly 500 fully accessible bus stops in FY2025 alone. These stops feature new sidewalks, ramps, and infrastructure to support future shelter installation, making our system easier to navigate for customers of all abilities.

METRO is also on track to install 2,000 new bus shelters across the region within five years. With 750 shelters already in place, including BOOST shelters along high-ridership corridors like the 82 Westheimer and 54 Scott, riders can expect shaded, well-lit, and more comfortable waiting environments.

We are listening to our customers and investing in amenities that matter, from expanded mobile ticketing options to wheelchair accessible bus stops. And we’re committed to delivering this progress while maintaining the sense of community and local pride that has always defined Houston.

A Smarter Fare System for a Smarter Transit Future

As part of METRONow’s modernization mission, METRO is rolling out a new fare system designed to make trip planning and travel easier.

Slated for public launch in Fall 2025, the new RideMETRO fare system introduces a wider array of payment options, including contactless debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, smartwatches, and a new RideMETRO smartcard. Riders will simply tap their card or device at fare validators on buses and METRORail platforms, eliminating the need for traditional ticket handling or visual validation. The system also features improved mobile ticketing. Instead of displaying an animated ticket, users can now scan a QR code directly from their phone for a seamless boarding experience.

Maintaining Reliability, Enhancing Resilience

Another vital piece of METRONow is our commitment to keeping service safe, reliable, and on time, which starts with fixing the infrastructure our vehicles depend on every day. Many of the roads our buses rely on are high traffic, aging, and in desperate need of repair. When these streets are damaged, buses are more likely to break down or get delayed, pulling vehicles out of service and disrupting schedules. Our infrastructure projects focus on upgrading these heavily used corridors to reduce wear and tear minimize breakdowns and keep buses running on time.

We’ve adopted more proactive asset management practices and invested in upgraded equipment and technology. Maintenance schedules are being optimized to reduce service interruptions, and field staff are empowered with tools and training to improve responsiveness.

Projects like the METRO Clean Team initiative are also ensuring that shelters, vehicles, and stations are not only functional but clean, safe, and inviting by increasing cleaning frequency and standards. It’s all part of our broader focus on building a transit system that riders trust and enjoy.

Safety as a Shared Commitment

Safety has always been the foundation of METRO’s mission—and under METRONow, we are taking it to new heights. Under new leadership with a fresh perspective on interagency collaboration and strategic deployment, the Metro Police Department is working tirelessly to create a safer environment for every rider.

This year, METRO reached full staffing for sworn officers for the first time in years, a major milestone celebrated across the agency. Our CARE team (Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement) continues to lead with compassion and professionalism, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises with the support they need, while ensuring that stations remain safe and accessible for all.

Security enhancements under METRONow also include additional lighting at stops and shelters, upgraded surveillance systems, stronger interagency collaboration with local law enforcement, and officers riding on trains and buses. And we continue to promote our “See Something, Say Something” campaign to empower the public to be active participants in keeping the system safe.

A Vision Grounded in Equity and Community

At its core, METRONow is a vision not just for transit, but for people. It is rooted in equity, driven by community engagement, and built to ensure that public transit strengthens the region it supports.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what’s ahead. As Houston prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and welcome the world, METRONow ensures we are ready not just for the global spotlight, but for the everyday journeys of the millions who call this region home.

Because the future of transit in Houston isn’t on the horizon. It’s happening now.