Park-and-Ride Service Resumes in Houston with Modifications
After a temporary suspension, Metro in Houston has announced that they will resume park-and-ride services on Monday, albeit with some modifications in place. The agency highlighted the importance of their bus operations teams, which are currently providing critical transportation to numerous mutual aid crews working to restore power in the region. Additionally, Metro is offering much-needed rides to regional cooling centers for residents.
Service Adjustments and Route Changes
Despite the resumption of park-and-ride services, Metro has made several adjustments to their routes. While normal service will be available on many routes, including those to the Texas Medical Center, delays are still possible. Some specific route adjustments include reduced service and canceled trips on routes 217, 222, and 265. Route 202 will not have service, but the Kuykendahl car park will be serviced by route 204 Spring. Route 228 will have no services, with route 221 Kingsland providing inbound and outbound services instead. Furthermore, route 257 will be out of service, but the Townsen car parks will be serviced by route 256 Eastex/Kingwood. Due to road closures, some city center routes may also be detoured.
HOV/HOT Lane Operations
In terms of HOV/HOT lane operations, Metro aims to keep all METRO-operated lanes open during normal operating hours. However, some ramps may be closed due to current conditions. Examples of ramp closures include access from Interstate 69 (Southwest) to Dunlavy, Interstate 69 (Eastex) to Tidwell, and I-69 (Eastex) to Townsend.
Continued Services and Customer Assistance
METROLift and curb2curb services will continue to operate normally, ensuring accessibility for individuals with specific transportation needs. Additionally, customer service and RideStores will remain open during their regular hours to assist passengers with any inquiries or concerns.
In conclusion, Metro’s decision to resume park-and-ride services with modifications demonstrates their commitment to providing essential transportation services to the community during challenging times. Despite the adjustments and route changes in place, Metro continues to prioritize the safety and convenience of its passengers.
