The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), in collaboration with the City of Houston and Evolve Houston, will extend its Community Connector microtransit service to the Near Northside neighborhood. 

The expansion reflects METRO’s commitment to equitable, accessible transportation for all Houstonians, particularly those in historically underserved communities.

“Expanding the Community Connector to Near Northside reflects our continued commitment to equitable transit,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “We are working to ensure safe, reliable, and convenient access to METRO’s broader network. Our goal is to deliver solutions that make public transit easier to choose, but the best choice for getting around.”

Addressing Mobility Gaps Through Innovation

The Community Connector service utilizes all-electric, on-demand shuttles to help bridge the “first and last mile” challenge. 

Riders can conveniently access fixed-route bus and rail systems, as well as key community destinations such as grocery stores, clinics, and schools.

The Near Northside expansion builds upon the program’s growing presence in Downtown, The Heights, Second Ward, and Third Ward. As part of the METRONow plan, this microtransit initiative supports a broader effort to strengthen systemwide mobility, modernize service, and meet the region's evolving needs.

“I applaud METRO for listening to the needs of Houstonians and visitors to our city and responding with smart, community-focused solutions,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “This new Northside service is another example of how METRO continues to provide safe, clean, and reliable mobility options. Innovative microtransit like this helps strengthen neighborhoods by connecting people to opportunity.”

Equity-Focused, Rider-Centered

The Community Connector expansion is part of METRO’s long-term strategy to close transportation gaps that disproportionately impact lower-income and transit-dependent communities. Through sustainable and flexible options like microtransit, METRO aims to foster greater access to opportunity and mobility independence.

METRO and its partners say the Near Northside launch is just one more step in a citywide vision that centers equity, sustainability, and rider convenience.