New UZURV Partnership Enhances METROLift’s Commitment to Accessible, Reliable Mobility

Houston METRO has taken a significant step toward strengthening mobility options for riders with disabilities through a new partnership with UZURV, which has joined the agency’s roster of service providers for METROLift, METRO’s ADA-accessible, shared-ride paratransit service. The collaboration brings a flexible, fully vetted driver network that meets local, state, and federal safety and compliance requirements—including FTA-compliant drug and alcohol testing—while supporting METROLift’s mission to deliver service with dignity and reliability.

For METRO, the partnership reinforces a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality paratransit service in one of the largest and fastest-growing regions in the U.S.

“Our goal is to ensure that every METROLift customer can travel with confidence, respect, and dignity,” said Michael Andrade, vice president of specialized transit service operations at METRO. “UZURV shares that vision, and this partnership helps us deliver more consistent, dependable service well into the future. By working together, we’re creating lasting improvements that will benefit riders for years to come.”

As part of the launch, UZURV rapidly established a new driver network—fully compliant with METRO’s requirements—in just 41 days. The service integrates with RideCo, the demand-responsive transit technology platform already in use by METRO, ensuring efficient scheduling, trip management, and coordination across providers. UZURV drivers are specially trained to understand the needs of riders with disabilities and to provide high-quality, personalized assistance.

“The commitment by METRO leadership and staff to continue to innovate and improve access to high quality mobility options for Greater Houston is clear,” said Ned Freeman, chief executive officer of UZURV. “We will work hard to live up to that promise as we provide service for riders across the Houston region.”

With this partnership, METROLift continues to build out a resilient, diversified service model that expands capacity while maintaining its focus on safety, accessibility, and customer care. The addition of UZURV strengthens METRO’s ability to meet growing demand and reinforces the agency’s dedication to equitable mobility for all members of the community.