What this is
Learn how to attend METRO board meetings and speak up about the bus routes, trains, and transit services that connect your neighborhood to opportunity.
The basics
When: Fourth Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM. Committee meetings the week before.
Where: METRO Headquarters, 1900 Main Street, Houston TX 77002.
How long: Usually 1-3 hours.
Cost: Free. Open to the public.
Remote access: Available via Zoom. Check ridemetro.org for the link.
What happens at the meeting
The nine-member METRO Board of Directors oversees all public transit in the Houston region. They decide:
Bus routes — where buses go, how often, and what hours they run
Light rail — METRORail operations and expansion planning
Fares — how much you pay to ride
Capital projects — new bus rapid transit lines, park-and-rides, transit centers
Paratransit — METROLift services for riders with disabilities
Budget — how transit dollars are spent across the region
How to give public comment
Register 48 hours in advance: Email BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org or call 713-739-4834. Include your name, topic, and whether you will attend in person or via Zoom.
Find the agenda: Posted at ridemetro.org/about/board-meetings before the meeting.
Speak: You will have 3 minutes. Be specific about the route, service, or policy you are addressing.
Tips for first-timers
Getting there
After the meeting
Read full text
Important: Unlike City Council, METRO requires advance registration to speak. Walk-up public comment is not guaranteed.
If a bus route affects your daily life, say so. "I ride the 82 Westheimer every day and..." is powerful testimony.
METRO board members are appointed, not elected. Three by the City, three by Harris County, three by other participating cities.
Committee meetings (the week before the full board) are where detailed discussion happens. If you care about a specific topic, attend the relevant committee.
You can participate via Zoom if you cannot travel to 1900 Main Street.
Bring data if you have it. Ridership numbers, wait times, missed connections — specifics move the board.
METRORail: Red Line to Ensemble/HCC station. METRO HQ is two blocks north.
Bus: Multiple routes stop near Wheeler Transit Center, a short walk south.
Parking: Limited. Taking transit to the transit board meeting is appropriate and convenient.
Accessibility: The building is ADA accessible.
Meeting materials at ridemetro.org/about/board-meetings
Questions and feedback: BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org or 713-739-4834
For specific route or service issues: 713-635-4000 (METRO customer service)
About METRO Houston
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County operates buses, light rail, and paratransit across the Houston region. METRO is governed by a nine-member board of directors appointed by the City of Houston, Harris Co…
Visit website →Why it matters
This is part of Who Decides — civic life, elections, and accountability.
How to dig in
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By the numbers
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