METRO's free Community Connector rideshare service shifts to a $1.25 fare on Monday, Sept. 28, part of an expansion that could give Spring-area Park & Ride commuters new options for reaching workplaces once they arrive downtown.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) announced Tuesday, Sept. 22, that it is expanding three on-demand services: Community Connector, METROLift and curb2curb. The changes include longer hours, new vehicles and upgraded booking technology, My Neighborhood News reported.

The expansion does not create new rides from Spring directly into Houston. METRO's on-demand services operate within designated inner-city zones. But for commuters who board Route 204 Spring or Route 209 Spring/Kuykendahl at the Bammel and Carlsway Park & Ride, the services may help cover the stretch between a downtown bus stop and a workplace within one of the five zones.

Community Connector goes permanent

Community Connector, an on-demand rideshare pilot operating in five Houston neighborhoods, is becoming a permanent part of METRO's network after ridership jumped 64%. The service was previously free.

As of Thursday, Sept. 24, METRO's fares page still listed the service at no cost.

Service hours across all five zones will extend to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The zones cover Downtown, the Heights, Near Northside, Second Ward and Third Ward.

Passengers who pay the new fare will receive free transfers to other METRO services. Students and seniors with eligible fare cards will still qualify for discounted rates.

METRO is also adding climate-controlled vehicles, ADA wheelchair-accessible minivans and a Transportation Network Company option to handle peak demand. Community Connector will be integrated into the METRO On Demand app for real-time trip planning.

METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said the agency is introducing new technology and providing better connections across the system to match riders' changing needs.

METROLift and curb2curb updates

METROLift, the paratransit service covering much of Harris County, is getting new vans and minivans to replace aging vehicles. An automated scheduling option will let customers make next-day reservations, and a new "Where Is My Ride" feature will provide updated trip information. METROLift SameDay Feeder trips will also become available for self-service booking through the METRO On Demand app.

METRO added a new curb2curb zone in the Gulfton community in southwest Houston, operating daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the standard $1.25 fare.

Spring-area riders who use Routes 204 or 209 pay a $3.75 Zone 3 fare for the Park & Ride leg, according to METRO's route page. Adding a $1.25 Community Connector trip after Sept. 28 would bring a one-way combined cost to $5.00. Community Connector riders will receive free transfers to other METRO services.

Riders can review service maps and on-demand options at RideMETRO.org or by calling METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000.