Although in Houston public transportation is seen as a last resort option for many, this is due to the distance between the points they seek to reach; for others it is the only way they can get to their destinations. In Space City, the culture often sidelines bus use, because cars take priority.
However, in recent years campaigns have been launched to encourage the residents of Houston and its surrounding areas to begin using public transportation, achieving that many turn to view this option for traveling within the city.
It has been reported that only about 6% of residents use public transportation, which is a very low share for the size of city we are.
Nevertheless, METRO recorded that approximately 76.8 million trips were made in 2024. While weekly ridership reached 86% of the February 2020 to February 2024 levels, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. In other words, the arrival of Covid-19 caused fewer people to use these transportation services, and to this day the impact is still being felt.
METRO operates about 108 bus routes, 8,834 bus stops, and multiple light rail lines; moreover, recently the vehicles have been expanded to connect communities and even a direct bus to the Intercontinental Airport. All with the aim of continuing to promote the use of public transportation.
Among the benefits that, according to experts, exist when using public transportation are the following.
Such as saving money, since public transportation can be significantly cheaper than owning and operating a car. An average household in the U.S. can save more than $13,000 per year by using public transportation and having one fewer car, avoiding expenses such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, and vehicle taxes.
One of the most important is that it reduces stress. They explain that those who commute daily to work can avoid the stress of driving in traffic, dealing with anger at the wheel, and searching for a parking spot. Instead, the travel time can be used to relax, read, work, or listen to music.
Therefore, this improves health, since public transportation encourages more walking by forcing people to walk to and from the bus stops or train stations. This increase in physical activity can improve mental and physical health, and is a proven way to help maintain a healthy weight.
They also claim that it increases safety, considering this to be one of the safest ways to travel. Per mile traveled, it is ten times safer than driving a car and reduces the total number of traffic accidents by removing high-risk drivers from the road.
It offers mobility and social equity, this for people who cannot drive, such as the elderly, students, or those with disabilities. Public transportation provides vital access to jobs, education, and other community services. So it is a good opportunity to think whether using public transportation would be a good option for you or at least to reach certain places on certain dates.
What do you think?
