As we approach the end of 2024, Houston’s favorite way to get around is preparing to ring in the new year with a METRO-tastic holiday schedule. Whether you're headed out to celebrate, visiting family, or enjoying the city’s vibrant attractions, METRO has got you covered with smooth, reliable service. Here's everything you need to know about how METRO will be operating during the New Year's festivities to ensure your travel plans go off without a hitch.

Tuesday, Dec. 31: Regular Service, New Year's Eve Vibes

Start the year’s final day without skipping a beat! METRO will be operating on its regular schedule for Tuesday, Dec. 31. That means:

• Local Bus, METRORail, METRORapid, and Curb2Curb services will run as usual.
• Park & Ride routes will also operate on their regular schedules, making sure you can get to your destinations effortlessly.
• HOV Lanes operated by METRO will remain open, so you can cruise through Houston with ease (if you’re lucky enough to have an HOV passenger!).
• METRO’s Customer Service Call Center, RideStores, and Lost & Found will stay open, ready to assist you with any travel needs.

Wednesday, Jan. 1: A More Relaxed Schedule for the New Year

After a night of celebration, METRO will slow things down with a New Year’s Day schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Here’s what to expect:

• Local Bus, METRORail, METRORapid, and Curb2Curb will switch to a Sunday schedule. That means fewer trips, but still a reliable option for getting around the city.
• Park & Ride routes will not be operating on Jan. 1, so plan accordingly if you rely on these routes to commute.
• METRO-operated HOV Lanes will be closed, giving you a break from fast-moving traffic if you’re driving solo.
• Customer Service, RideStores, and Lost & Found will be closed, but don’t worry, we’ve got other ways to help you plan ahead.

METROLift: Keep Moving Even with the Holidays

For those who depend on METROLift for paratransit service, we have good news! Here’s the breakdown for Jan. 1 and Dec. 31:

Tuesday, Dec. 31:

• METROLift Reservations and Customer Service will remain open.
• Subscription trips will operate as normal.

Wednesday, Jan. 1:

• METROLift Reservations and Customer Service will be closed.
• All subscription trips are canceled.

To plan your METROLift trip for Jan. 1 – Jan. 2, you can take advantage of the online trip planner (just be sure to have your customer ID and password ready), or call the automated reservation line at 713-739-4690 between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. Need to speak to a live agent? Call 713-225-7616 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Plan Ahead with RideMETRO

While the holiday schedule may be a little different, METRO’s commitment to keeping you moving through Houston remains unchanged. Don't forget to utilize the RideMETRO app to plan your trip, track routes, and even pay for your fare directly from your phone. It's the easiest way to navigate Houston’s transit system and make the most out of your day.

METRO’s Commitment to Houston: More Than Just a Ride

As the region’s largest public transit provider, METRO is dedicated to serving the Houston community with safe, clean, reliable, accessible, and friendly transportation services. From local buses and METRORail to Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit services, and more, METRO makes it easy to get around Houston—whether you're headed to a New Year’s Eve party, catching a holiday show, or just exploring the city.

As METRO continues to enhance its services with road improvement projects and additional routes, the future of travel in Houston looks brighter than ever. Visit RideMETRO.org for the latest information on services, schedules, and updates. Keep an eye on their site for tools like the RideMETRO app, which offers real-time updates and seamless fare payment, so you can focus more on your destination and less on your commute.

Stay in the Loop!

Don’t let the holiday hustle and bustle catch you off guard. Be sure to check out METRO’s official website and app for updates leading up to the New Year and beyond. As we say goodbye to 2024, METRO is here to make sure your travels are smooth and stylish—because getting around Houston should be as easy as possible, no matter the season.