When you see a sleek all-electric shuttle zipping through Houston’s Second Ward, Third Ward, Downtown, Near Northside, or the Heights, you’re not just witnessing a ride—you’re witnessing history in the making. Evolve Houston, a membership-based nonprofit founded in 2019 by CenterPoint Energy, the City of Houston, Shell, NRG Energy, and the University of Houston, is reshaping the way our city thinks about transportation and clean air for all Houstonians.

From Pilot to Powerhouse: The Community Connector

What began in June 2023 with only two electric vehicles has now grown into a fleet of 19, serving thousands of riders monthly. Known as the Community Connector, this all-electric microtransit service is more than just free rides—it’s a lifeline. Nearly half of all trips (46%) start or end at or near METRO transit stations, bridging vital gaps for seniors, families, and low-income residents.

The collaboration with Houston METRO has been instrumental. When Evolve shared trip data showing how heavily riders connected to METRO bus stops and rail stations, METRO immediately saw the potential. By mid-2024, METRO began directly funding the City of Houston to continue and expand the program, ensuring it aligned with the METRONow strategy of creating seamless, first-and-last-mile solutions.

“Partnerships like this are the future of Houston transit,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Chair of the METRO Board of Directors. “By connecting Evolve’s Community Connector with our bus and rail system, we’re not just providing rides—we’re creating freedom of movement for Houstonians who need it most.” 

Fueling Houston’s Clean Transportation Future

Transportation accounts for nearly half (47%) of Houston’s greenhouse gas emissions. Evolve Houston is on a mission to change that. Through its Community Grant Program, Evolve invests directly into underserved communities, funding projects that expand access to electric mobility, reduce emissions, and foster economic opportunity. Applications for the next round of grants open on September 15^th, furthering Houston’s path toward an inclusive, sustainable future.

“Our grants are about more than clean transportation,” explained Casey Brown, CEO of Evolve Houston. “They’re about ensuring every Houstonian—no matter their zip code—has access to mobility that improves their quality of life.” 

Casey Brown: From Football Fields to Future Thinking

Evolve Houston’s leader, Casey Brown, brings a story as compelling as the mission he champions. A former quarterback turned physicist, Brown’s career journey spans Halliburton in North Dakota, an MBA from Rice University, and an executive role in the energy sector before leading Evolve’s rebrand in 2022.

“Community college and football were foundational for me,” Brown reflected. “They instilled the problem-solving mindset and confidence I bring to every challenge. Now at Evolve Houston, I’m honored to work alongside a team of problem-solvers committed to positioning Houston as a leader in the global energy transition.”

Brown believes Houston is uniquely positioned to stay at the forefront of global energy innovation, leveraging skills from the hydrocarbon era into a cleaner, more resilient economy. 

Innovation Backed by Partnerships

Evolve’s success thrives because of bold partnerships with the City of Houston, Houston METRO, and private contractors. METRO’s funding support transformed the Community Connector from a grassroots pilot into a sustainable, multi-zone pilot service that not only complements METRO’s existing bus and rail routes but also amplifies their accessibility.

“Houston is a city that embraces innovation,” said Meredith Johnson, Executive Vice President of Communications of Houston METRO. “Working with Evolve allows us to expand mobility options, reduce emissions, and serve our neighborhoods in smarter, more inclusive ways.”

Brown agreed, adding: “We could not have done this without METRO and the City. They saw the vision and had the courage to test it, innovate it, and expand it.” 

Why It Matters

The Community Connector isn’t just a pilot project; it’s a promise—a promise that Houston can be a global leader in mobility equity, clean energy, and community-driven solutions.

Or, as one rider from the Third Ward recently said: “This ride means freedom for me. Freedom to move, freedom to connect, and freedom to breathe cleaner air.”

With Evolve Houston and Houston METRO working hand-in-hand, the city’s transportation future is not just electric—it’s unstoppable.