Frequently Asked Questions — How to Ride METRO

Vanpooling is a month-to-month commitment. There are no long-term obligations. However, if you pay your fare at the beginning of the month, you’re committing to ride that month. If at some point that month you stop riding, any partial refunds are at the discretion of the group.

If you have an emergency and need to leave work early, call METRO Star Vanpool at 713-224-RIDE (7433). If we approve your trip (three maximum per year), you’ll be provided a ride to your destination. We’ll cover the cost of the ride, minus tips (which are optional). 

This program operates weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Juneteenth, Labor Day Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

We arrange vehicles as needed to meet ADA requirements. Most vans are equipped with running boards and handles to assist riders with boarding. We work with vanpool groups that require ADA accommodations to find the most convenient and comfortable option to accommodate all riders, including those with disabilities.

As a practical matter, vanpool groups often struggle to retain enough riders when there are expectations of accommodating one or more riders who need assistance to board the van. We work to offset this by covering any extra costs that result from providing accessible vehicles.

In the past, we've provided a special vehicle equipped for low-floor side ramp access for a rider in a wheelchair. We installed a floor locking feature to match the one the rider had in her personal vehicle, resulting in a bi-reconfiguration of her wheelchair. Without the modifications, the group would have been in a minivan with seven passengers sharing the cost. So we priced the van such that the riders paid the same amount they would have paid individually if they were part of a seven-passenger group in a minivan.

Some vanpools allow part-time riders on an as-needed basis. If you can’t commit to full-time status, you may want to consider this. You would pay to ride as long as a seat is available.