METRO's Community Connector Now Serving The Heights

METRO has expanded Community Connector service to another Houston-area neighborhood! Residents in The Heights will now be able move around their community a lot easier.

The expansion is part of the METRONow plan, which aims to improve mobility for all and provide safe, clean, reliable, and accessible transit options to the region.

“This new service is already transforming transit and people's lives by providing direct access to buses and trains and ultimately meets essential needs like attending wellness appointments or getting to the grocery store," said Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock.

METRO announced its microtransit partnership with the City of Houston and Evolve Houston in December.

“This service enables METRO to connect people to places they need to travel safely and efficiently. I am confident the demand for the Community Connector service will continue to grow,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “My administration has prioritized safe streets and transportation. Collaboration works, and we are optimistic about the future of mobility through thoughtful  planning and strong partnerships.”

Ken Rodgers, president of the Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood, says the Community Connector fills in gaps for those with transportation challenges.

“You see people riding it and you see smiles on their faces,” Rodgers said. “When the idea (of microtransit) was brought to us I was so excited about it. Just the benefits of hiring local, enabling constituents to get where they need to go and to cut time of transferring from bus to bus to get out of the neighborhood to go to work was another major benefit.”

With the Community Connector launching in the Heights, Rodgers encourages other Houston neighborhoods to advocate for microtransit in their areas as well.

Customers can easily track shuttles, view service maps and check operating hours through the Ride Circuit app. Riding the Community Connector is free.