What to Expect at METRO Board Meetings

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

1. 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.
2. Find the agenda: Posted at ridemetro.org/about/board-meetings before the meeting.
3. Speak: You will have 3 minutes. Be specific about the route, service, or policy you are addressing.

Important: Unlike City Council, METRO requires advance registration to speak. Walk-up public comment is not guaranteed.

Tips for first-timers

• 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.

Getting there

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.

After the meeting

• 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)