Houston Public Transit Agencies Launch Free Fare Fridays in September

Public transit users in the Houston area will benefit from an initiative that offers free rides every Friday throughout September. This program, known as “Free Fare Fridays,” is designed to encourage increased ridership across several transit agencies including those in Harris County, Fort Bend County, The Woodlands Township, and Conroe. The initiative is managed by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and marks its second year of operation.

According to Robyn Egbert, principal program manager with H-GAC, the program aims to alleviate traffic congestion in a city known for its heavy road use. “Houston is one of the most congested cities in the United States, and it just provides an additional option,” Egbert stated. She also emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that reducing the number of vehicles on the road can help mitigate ground ozone emissions. Last year, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality declared “high ozone days” 55 times in the Houston area, the highest number in the state.

Impact on Ridership and Environment

H-GAC reported a significant increase in ridership during the previous year’s pilot program. Specifically, there was a 15% increase in ridership for The Woodlands Township transportation department in September 2023 compared to September 2024. Egbert highlighted that this translated into over 2,400 additional riders for the Woodlands, a trend that was consistent across Fort Bend County Transit and Harris County Transit as well.

The performance of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) during the first iteration of this program in 2024 also revealed promising results. The bus service recorded nearly 5 million boardings, an increase from approximately 4.5 million in September 2023. Although light rail boardings saw a slight decline, the overall uptick in bus ridership is noteworthy.

It’s important to consider that the rise in bus ridership may not be entirely attributed to the “Free Fare Fridays” initiative. Ridership had already been increasing following the COVID-19 pandemic, with METRO experiencing a more than 35% surge from 2021 to 2022 and a 13% increase from 2022 to 2023. In contrast, the growth from 2023 to 2024 was a more modest 10%. Despite these gains, METRO’s ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, which saw nearly 5 million bus boardings and over 1.5 million rail boardings per month in 2019.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The “Free Fare Fridays” initiative also aligns with the broader “no-car Fridays” movement, encouraging individuals to opt for cycling, walking, or using public transit. Sallie Alcorn, a member of the Houston City Council and representative on the H-GAC transportation policy council, expressed her support for the program. “I think it’s a great way to really understand what people face when they ride bikes or when they walk or when they take public transit,” Alcorn remarked. She highlighted the value of experiencing community issues firsthand, noting, “Plus, I feel like it’s a great way to be out in the community, not behind the wheels of a car.”

During the program, most participating transit agencies will offer free rides across all routes, with the Conroe Connection providing free fares on its fixed route and paratransit services. This collaborative effort is a result of a partnership among H-GAC’s Commute Solutions Program, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the involved transit agencies and municipal governments.

As September approaches, the “Free Fare Fridays” initiative presents an opportunity for Houston residents to explore their public transit options while contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.