METRO HOV/HOT reopen for afternoon commute

HOUSTON – The METRO Transit Authority of Harris County has reopened HOV/HOT lanes for the Wednesday afternoon commute.

The agency says all five HOV/HOT lanes are safe to operate and they will open for the afternoon rush hour:

  • US 290
  • 45 North
  • 45 South
  • 59 North
  • 59 South

Early Wednesday morning, METRO Spokesperson Jerome Gray said METRO decided to close the HOV and HOT lanes including US 290, 45 North, 45 South, 59 North and 59 South out of an abundance of caution.

METRO buses were rolling as scheduled early Wednesday, but commute times could be longer as they will be traveling in main lanes.

Park & Ride buses and Star Vanpools will also use mainlanes, according to Gray.

METRORail will operate its normal service schedule.

METROLift will also operate regular service, but Gray warned users that there could be a backlog from Tuesday that could mean longer wait times for service. He asked for patience as METRO catches up.

Customers were reminded to use the METRO T.R.I.P. app or call 713-635-4000 for more information on route and schedule information.