Harris County Transit, also called the Office of Transit Services, is a public transport program for residents in parts of Harris County outside the METRO service area. The system provides fixed-route buses, shuttle links, ADA complementary paratransit, Baytown Park & Ride service, Transit Plus on-demand trips in Northeast Harris County, RIDES subsidized transportation, and medically necessary transportation for eligible Harris County Medical Program clients. It serves communities such as Baytown, La Porte, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shoreacres, South Houston, Crosby, Highlands, and other areas where METRO service is not available.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System name | Harris County Transit / Office of Transit Services |
| Main purpose | Transportation in Harris County communities outside the METRO service area |
| Core services | Fixed-route bus, connector service, ADA paratransit, Park & Ride, Transit Plus, RIDES, and eligible medical transportation |
| Service areas named | Baytown, La Porte, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shoreacres, South Houston, Crosby, Highlands, and nearby areas |
| Main customer service number | 832-927-4950 |
| Office number | 832-927-4953 |
Harris County Transit Map
The Harris County Transit map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Harris County Transit map in PDF format.
Bus Routes and Stops
Harris County Transit runs local transport in East Harris County, with fixed-route bus service in Baytown, La Porte, Highlands, Crosby, Cloverleaf, Sheldon, Channelview, and nearby communities. Route maps, a stations map, and route timetable materials are published by area, so it is worth checking the current route plan before you travel.
Fixed-Route Bus Routes by Area
The stations list below reflects the fixed-route and shuttle services named in the current materials. Some routes have been affected by construction, funding changes, and service adjustments, so confirm the latest path train or bus route information before starting a trip.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Baytown Route 1 | Garth Road |
| Baytown Route 2 | Central |
| Baytown Route 3 | North Alexander |
| Baytown Route 4 | Decker Loop, with discontinuation noted in service-change materials |
| La Porte Route 5 | City of La Porte |
| Highlands/Crosby Route 6 | Bus 1 and Bus 2 |
| Baytown/La Porte Shuttle 7 | Shuttle connection between Baytown and La Porte |
| Cloverleaf Route 11 | North East Harris County service |
| Channelview Route 12 | North East Harris County service, with service changes scheduled for March 9, 2026 |
| Baytown/Sheldon Shuttle 13 | Northshore and Baytown connection; Saturday service remains discontinued until further notice |
| Sheldon West Route 14 | North East Harris County service |
| Route 1112 | Combined high-boarding segment from Routes 11 and 12 |
| Mesa Transit Center | Transfer point for Houston METRO fixed-route service at Tidwell and Mesa |
| Woodforest Boulevard and Uvalde Road | Transfer point for Houston METRO fixed-route service |
| Eastex Park & Ride | Connection point for METRO fixed-route and Park & Ride service |
For route maps, stop details, and the latest stations map, call Harris County Transit Customer Service at 832-927-4950.
Schedules, Operating Hours, and Service Alerts
Harris County Transit schedules vary by route and service type. The most recent notices list regular fixed-route bus operating hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, while earlier materials also list Saturday service from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for some services. Because service has changed over time, riders should check the schedule today before relying on older opening hours or opening times.
Several alerts affect the route timetable. Construction on Garth Road affects Route 1, Route 6 South, and the Route 13 Shuttle. Harris County Transit recommends the 4:00 PM round as the last train-style guaranteed connection during that construction period, because connections cannot be guaranteed after that time.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Regular fixed-route working hours in the latest notices | Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday service in earlier service materials | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM where listed |
| Saturday service in later service-change notices | Discontinued in some cases; confirm before travel |
| Last guaranteed construction-period connection | 4:00 PM round for Routes affected by Garth Road construction |
| Early Bird Service | Discontinued according to the October 6, 2025 service-change notice |
| Customer service for timings today | 832-927-4950 |
Route 12 changes are scheduled for March 9, 2026. The notices state that certain segments and stops will be discontinued, and Routes 11 and 12 will be combined into Route 1112 for the remaining high-boarding segment. Route 13 Baytown shuttle Saturday service remains discontinued until further notice.
Fixed-Route Bus Schedules
Fixed-route bus schedules are published for Baytown, La Porte, Highlands/Crosby, the Baytown/La Porte Shuttle, and North East Harris County routes. These include Route 11, Route 12, Route 13 Shuttle, Route 14, and Route 1112.
As of the March 9, 2026 notice, the Route 12 segment from Beltway 8, Wallisville, and Dell Dale to Woodforest is no longer served. The Route 12 segment from Woodforest to Channelview High School on Sheldon, Bear Bayou Drive, Becker Street, Ridlon Avenue, and Sheldon is also no longer served. Route 11 return stops from Jim Fonteno Annex to Wallisville, Uvalde, Woodforest, and Freeport are no longer served.
Effective May 19, 2026, construction on Garth Road affects Routes 1, 6 South, and 13 Shuttle. If you are making a connection, use the 4:00 PM round when possible, since connections after that time are not guaranteed.
For the current train schedule-style timetable, route schedule, running time, frequency, starting time, closing time, and service alerts, call 832-927-4950. An alternate service information number listed in the materials is 713-578-2000.
Tickets, Discounts, and Payment Options
Harris County Transit fares are separate from METRO fares. For local Harris County Transit buses, riders should have the exact fare ready. METRO services use their own ticket, card, pass, and day pass rules, including the RideMETRO Fare Card and mobile ticketing options.
Standard and Reduced Fares
Harris County Transit keeps local bus fare prices simple. The regular ticket price is $1.00 USD each way, and reduced fares are available for eligible riders. Certified paratransit eligible passengers pay a separate $2.00 USD each-way fare.
| Service | Regular Fare | Discounted Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12 years and older | $1.00 USD each way | Not listed |
| Children 2 to 11 years | Not listed | $0.50 USD each way |
| Seniors 62 and older with ID | Not listed | $0.50 USD each way |
| Medicare or Medicaid card holders | Not listed | $0.50 USD each way |
| Disabled riders with ID | Not listed | $0.50 USD each way |
| Children under 2 | Free | Free |
| Elementary through high school students with current school ID | Not listed | $0.50 USD each way |
| Certified paratransit eligible passengers | $2.00 USD each way | Not listed |
RIDES uses a distance-based subsidized cost structure for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. Shared Ride trips range from $3.00 to $21.00 USD one way, Same-Day Taxi trips are up to $24.00 USD one way, and RIDES is subsidized at 50% of the trip cost.
For METRO services, separate fares apply. Local bus, METRORail, and METRO curb2curb have a regular fare of $1.25 USD and a discounted fare of $0.60 USD. METRO Park & Ride bus fare ranges from $2.00 to $4.50 USD regular, depending on the zone, with discounted fares at half price.
Accepted Payment Methods
Harris County Transit payment options may vary by service and boarding location. Riders should check the payment method for the exact trip before boarding, especially when transferring between local Harris County Transit and METRO.
METRO payment options listed in the materials include physical and virtual RideMETRO Fare Cards, major credit and debit cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, paper tickets from ticket vending machines, and cash on buses and at machines where cash is accepted. The Q Mobile Ticketing App accepts credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Each rider must use their own payment method on METRO. Cash riders should use exact cash, because no change is given and free transfers are not included with cash payment.
Transfers and METRO Fare Differences
Transfers between Harris County Transit and METRO are available at several points, but fare rules are different. Harris County Transit local fare is not the same as METRO fare, so check the fare calculator or current fare information before you ride.
With a RideMETRO Fare Card, credit or debit card, mobile wallet, 3-Hour Pass, or Day Pass, METRO riders can receive free transfers between METRO services of equal or lesser value for up to three hours. When transferring to a higher-cost METRO service, the rider pays only the fare difference within that three-hour window.
METRO also offers a 1-for-10 loyalty program: riders using a physical or virtual RideMETRO Fare Card earn one free ride after every 10 paid rides. Free METRO travel is available to children five years or younger with an adult, seniors 70 years or older with a RideMETRO Discount Fare Card, qualified veterans with a RideMETRO Discount Fare Card, and METROLift customers using a METROLift Fare Card.
Transfers to Houston METRO fixed-route service can be made at Mesa Transit Center, at Tidwell and Mesa, or on Woodforest Boulevard at Uvalde Road. Transfers to METRO fixed-route and Park & Ride service can also be made at Eastex Park & Ride.
Connections with METRO and Regional Transit
Harris County Transit complements METRO rather than replacing it. METRO operates major city transport in Houston and much of Harris County, including bus, METRORail, METROLift paratransit, Park & Ride, and other mobility services. Harris County Transit focuses on communities outside the METRO service area.
The two systems connect through transit centers, Park & Ride facilities, and shuttle links. These connections help riders in Baytown, La Porte, Crosby, Highlands, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Sheldon, and nearby areas reach Downtown Houston and the wider regional transport network.
METRO Transit Center Connections
Harris County Transit connects with Houston METRO at key transfer points across East Harris County. Riders can transfer to METRO fixed-route buses at Mesa Transit Center at Tidwell and Mesa, or at Woodforest Boulevard and Uvalde Road.
Transit Plus, the on-demand service in the Generation Park area, connects to Houston METRO fixed-route and Park & Ride service at Eastex Park & Ride. Baytown Park & Ride also links commuters to Houston’s Central Business District through a partnership with METRO.
METRO transit centers and Park & Ride facilities are described as sheltered, under video surveillance, and patrolled daily by METRO police officers. Some facilities provide free parking, except Fannin South.
Travel to Downtown Houston
Harris County Transit connects riders to Downtown Houston through METRO links. Connector service provides access through Gulfgate and Mesa Transit Centers, and Baytown Park & Ride serves Houston’s Central Business District in partnership with METRO.
Transfers to METRO fixed-route service are available at Mesa Transit Center and at Woodforest Boulevard and Uvalde Road. Riders can also reach METRO Park & Ride service at Eastex Park & Ride.
For METRO trip planning and fare questions, call 713-635-4000. For Harris County Transit service information, call 832-927-4950.
Airport Connections
Harris County Transit does not list direct airport service in the provided materials. METRO, however, has expanded its 500 Downtown Direct service to William P. Hobby Airport, beginning February 22, 2026. The route also continues to serve George Bush Intercontinental Airport, creating a direct link between both major airports and Downtown Houston.
The updated route adds downtown stops, including the Downtown Transit Center and other key locations, while continuing to serve the George R. Brown Convention Center. The one-way fare is $4.50 USD, and the service includes comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Hobby Airport | Airport stop on METRO 500 Downtown Direct |
| St Joseph Parkway at Main Street | Downtown Houston stop |
| Travis Street at Dallas Street | Downtown Houston stop |
| San Jacinto Street at Rusk Street | Downtown Houston stop |
| GRB North Transit Center Garage | Stop serving the George R. Brown Convention Center area |
| Bush IAH Terminal E | Airport stop at George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
Parking and Park & Ride
Harris County Transit includes Park & Ride service in partnership with METRO and the City of Baytown. The county sponsors Baytown Park & Ride by METRO, giving commuters a practical option for travel into Houston’s Central Business District.
Baytown Park & Ride is located on the northern side of Garth and Independence. Harris County contracted with METRO to provide service for this project, and the Houston Central Business District drop-off points match those used by METRO Route 236, which serves the METRO Park & Ride at Maxey Road and I-10.
The provided Harris County Transit material does not list Baytown station parking charges, parking charges per day, or a separate parking price. METRO materials note that some transit centers and Park & Ride facilities provide free parking, except Fannin South.
For Park & Ride questions, call 832-927-4953. An alternate phone number listed for service information is 713-578-2000.
Accessibility and Eligibility-Based Services
Harris County Transit provides ADA complementary paratransit for people with disabilities who cannot board, ride, or disembark from a fixed-route bus, even when the bus has a wheelchair lift or ramp. ADA paratransit service is available within 0.75 miles, or about 1.2 kilometers, of a fixed route.
For trips beyond the fixed-route service area, including travel to the Houston Medical Center or Houston’s Central Business District, riders should contact a Mobility Manager at 832-927-4953. Program information is available in other formats upon request.
This is a shared-ride public transit service. Travel times and service timeliness are intended to be comparable to fixed-route bus service, and riders are expected to use accessible fixed-route buses when possible.
Harris County Transit also offers RIDES, a curb-to-curb subsidized transportation program for eligible seniors and people with disabilities who live in Harris County and cannot access METRO services or do not have other transportation options. Customers must be registered as eligible, either directly with the program or through a sponsoring agency.
For RIDES registration, call 713-368-RIDE, or 713-368-7433, to schedule an appointment or apply in person at 8410 Lantern Point Drive, Houston, TX 77054.
ADA complaints are handled through the ADA Coordinator at Harris County Housing and Community Development Department, Office of Transit Services, 8410 Lantern Point Drive, Houston, TX 77054. Phone numbers listed are 832-927-4953 and 832-927-4716.
Rules, Safety, and Tips
Harris County Transit and METRO emphasize safe, clean, reliable, accessible, and friendly public transportation. A little courtesy makes the system work better: keep seats open for others, offer priority seating to seniors and riders with physical limitations, avoid blocking doors, and let passengers exit before boarding.
Have your fare ready before the bus arrives. Stand behind the yellow line and the operator’s seat, follow operator instructions, and use the request cord before your stop. If you need to transfer, ask for a transfer ticket before you exit. For safety, wait until the bus has left before crossing the street.
METRO materials state that prohibited conduct can lead to a warning, suspension, criminal citation, or a ban. Examples include loud or abusive language, eating or drinking on buses and rail, smoking, disorderly conduct, misuse of fare media, assault, theft, vandalism, loitering, carrying prohibited weapons, and entering or remaining on property without consent.
Suspensions may be issued by a METRO Police Officer. Depending on the incident, suspensions may last up to 14 days, 30 days for violating an active suspension, 60 days for vandalism, trespass, or fare violations, or up to one year for serious criminal acts. Appeals may be filed within five business days.
During the COVID-19 period described in the materials, face masks were required on fixed bus route service and social distancing was used with every other seat blocked off. Riders were also told that service levels, destinations, and fare policies could change, so checking current updates remains important.
Transit Plus On-Demand Service
Harris County Transit Plus launched on July 6, 2021, as an on-demand service in defined zones within North East Harris County, including Generation Park. It provides curb-to-curb trips and pre-set destination service to grocery stores, shopping centers, hospitals, colleges, and job destinations.
The service operates along the North Belt, Beltway 8, from Generation Park near West Lake Houston Parkway west to the Houston METRO Eastex Park & Ride, also called HC10 North. It also operates along the East Belt, Beltway 8, from Generation Park near West Lake Houston Parkway south to the Jim Fonteno Courthouse and Walmart on Wallisville Road.
Transit Plus hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Transfers to Houston METRO fixed-route and Park & Ride service can be made at Eastex Park & Ride. Different fare rates apply for METRO and Harris County Transit.
Riders can book online or use the free Harris County Transit Plus mobile app. The materials also list promo code HCTPLUS2FREE for the first four trips, or two round trips, free.
Brief History
Harris County Housing and Community Development completed a Comprehensive Transit Strategy in February 2006 with help from The Goodman Corporation. In June 2006, Commissioners Court authorized HCD to administer non-infrastructure Federal Transit Administration and Texas Department of Transportation transit funds.
The Transportation Division of HCD also received consent from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Harris County METRO to become an additional Federal Transit Administration recipient of FTA Section 5307 funds. This helped the county seek up to $4.5 million a year in federal grant funds for transportation alternatives in areas without transit service.
The Office of Transit Services, now Harris County Transit, was created by Harris County HCD to implement transit projects. In October 2007, Harris County Transit partnered with the City of Baytown and Houston METRO to launch a Park & Ride program from Baytown to the Downtown Business District.
Fixed-route service began in Baytown in July 2008 and exceeded ridership expectations. In January 2010, fixed bus route service began in La Porte and Pasadena. The program history also notes service in Baytown, La Porte, and Crosby, supported by local share funding commitments tied to federal funding requests.
Future Planning
Harris County’s future transportation planning is shaped by long-range plans looking toward 2040 and 2050. These plans help identify roadway classifications, prioritize corridors, and respond to the needs of a growing population of residents and commuters.
The Thoroughfare Plan creates a conceptual grid of well-spaced corridors and recommends roadway and multimodal segments based on changing needs. It also supports conformity with regional air quality standards. Final recommendations will identify future roadway types and prioritize corridors for short-, medium-, and long-term implementation through 2050.
The Active Transportation Plan focuses on walking and biking. It sets goals, objectives, and strategies for non-motorized travel, identifies existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian networks, and provides planning-level design guidance.
The broader Transportation Master Plan is intended to improve safety, reduce congestion, strengthen connectivity, and expand access through multimodal transportation options. Equity is part of the planning process, and the County Engineer’s office works with precincts, stakeholder groups, and the public at key milestones.
These planning efforts support a more resilient transportation system for unincorporated Harris County and may shape future transit expansion, roadway access, and multimodal connections.
Nearby attractions
Harris County Transit and its METRO connections can help riders reach major destinations in and around Houston. Depending on the route and transfer, riders may connect to Downtown Houston, the Theater District, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and major sports and event venues.
- Discovery Green
- Daikin Park
- George R. Brown Convention Center
- Theater District
- Toyota Center
- NRG Park
- Shell Energy Stadium
- Hermann Park
- Houston Zoo
- Museum District
- Texas Medical Center
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- William P. Hobby Airport
- Harris County District Courts
For trip planning or service questions, call Harris County Transit Customer Service at 832-927-4950.
FAQ
These answers cover common questions about Harris County Transit routes, fares, accessibility, airport connections, and how to check service today.
Is Harris County Transit the same as METRO?
No. Harris County Transit and METRO are different agencies. Harris County Transit serves parts of Harris County outside the METRO service area, while METRO operates major public transportation in Houston and much of Harris County.
METRO services include bus, light rail, bus rapid transit, HOV and HOT lanes, and METROLift paratransit. Harris County Transit focuses on local service, connectors, Park & Ride support, ADA paratransit, Transit Plus, and RIDES for eligible riders.
Does Harris County Transit serve Houston airports directly?
The provided Harris County Transit materials do not list direct Harris County Transit airport service. METRO does provide direct airport service through the 500 Downtown Direct route, which connects Downtown Houston with William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The METRO 500 Downtown Direct route includes Hobby Airport, downtown Houston stops, the George R. Brown Convention Center area, and Bush IAH Terminal E. The listed fare is $4.50 USD one way.
Can I use Harris County Transit without a smartphone?
Yes. Some services offer online booking or mobile app options, but a smartphone is not the only way to get help. Riders can call Harris County Transit Customer Service for route information, service questions, and assistance.
For RIDES registration and appointment scheduling, call 713-368-RIDE, or 713-368-7433. For general Harris County Transit information, call 832-927-4950.
Are Harris County Transit buses accessible?
Yes. Harris County Transit provides ADA paratransit for people with disabilities who cannot board, ride, or disembark from a fixed-route bus, even if the bus has a wheelchair lift or ramp.
Complementary paratransit service is available within 0.75 miles, or about 1.2 kilometers, of fixed routes. For trips beyond the fixed-route service area, including the Houston Medical Center or Downtown Houston, contact a Mobility Manager at 832-927-4953.
How do I check whether my route is running today?
Check the current route schedule, service alerts, and bus location information before traveling. Harris County Transit materials mention GPS tracking tools and the free Passio Go mobile app for iPhone and Android.
You can also contact Harris County Transit Customer Service at 832-927-4950 to confirm whether your route is running today, verify timings today, and check for construction-related detours or discontinued service.
What should I do if I need an ADA or RIDES service?
Start by choosing the program that fits your trip. ADA paratransit is for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. RIDES is for eligible older adults and people with disabilities who live in Harris County and cannot access METRO services or have no other transportation option.
For ADA or Mobility Manager help, call 832-927-4953. For RIDES registration and service information, call 713-368-RIDE, or 713-368-7433. ADA complaint phone numbers listed in the materials are 832-927-4953 and 832-927-4716.