New Transportation Option for Houston ISD Students
Houston ISD students will have a new way to get to and from school this year. The district has partnered with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) to provide eligible high school students with a METRO card at no cost to them.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the METRO card program, students must live at least 2 miles away from their school, whether it’s a magnet school or their neighborhood campus. Students who meet this criteria can apply for the program through an online form. The district began exploring partnership opportunities with METRO earlier this year, after noticing that many students were already using the METRO bus and light rail service to get to school.
Benefits of the Program
The program aims to provide students with a reliable and flexible transportation option. Participating students will receive a set number of "swipes" on their METRO card, which can be used to travel to and from school, as well as for other trips during the week and on weekends. This means that students will have the freedom to use public transportation for extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or simply to hang out with friends.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of students using the METRO service is a top priority. All METRO buses are equipped with security cameras, and the agency is in the process of reinstating METRO police officers on buses. Students and their families are also encouraged to follow best practices for taking public transportation, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure.
Impact on the District’s Bus System
The partnership with METRO is expected to alleviate some pressure on the district’s bus system, which has been facing challenges in recent years. Last year, the district eliminated 85 bus routes as a cost-saving measure, resulting in delays and disruptions for some students. This year, the district expects to serve around 20,000 students through its own bus system, and the METRO program should help to reduce the demand on these buses.
Conclusion
The new METRO card program offers a convenient and flexible transportation option for eligible Houston ISD students. With the ability to use public transportation for a variety of trips, students will have more freedom and independence to get where they need to go. As the program gets underway, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the district’s bus system and the daily lives of students. With approximately 700 students already signed up for the program, it’s clear that this new option is already generating a lot of interest and excitement among students and families.
