METRO Teams with Downtown Hotels to Move Fans
Light Rail Transit Fare Wristbands Now Being Sold at Downtown Inns and Hotels
College basketball fans can get a head-start on the NCAA action this weekend by taking advantage of transit fare wristbands that are now being offered for sale at the George R. Brown Convention Center and several downtown hotels. With thousands of hotel guests using METRO transit services, especially light-rail, it’s a good idea to get your ticket in advance at these convenient NEW locations.
Following are NEW locations where METRO wristbands can be purchased:
· Embassy Suites Hotel (Downtown)
· Magnolia Hotel (Downtown)
· DoubleTree Hotel (Downtown)
· George R. Brown Convention Center – (Aramark Center , 2nd Floor next to Starbucks)
Fans can also purchase light rail wrist bands at these locations:
Saturday: Fannin South & Reliant 2pm-6pm,
Sunday: Fannin South 11:30 -6pm
Monday: Fannin South & Reliant 5pm - 9pm
METRO light-rail service has been expanded and bus service added to address peak demand. Additional weekend Park & Ride buses, from four major locations, will be available to and from Downtown and METRO staff is stationed at light-rail platforms to assist passengers. METRO has also augmented services to include shuttles within TMC spaced every five minutes.
How it works:
From METRO Park & Ride lots you can buy a round-trip fare for $5 (Cash/Q Card only) during “to Downtown” hours of service. Fare is a wristband color-coded to your bus destination. Last bus departure from Discovery Green is printed on wristband. Addicks: Red, Fuqua: Blue, Kuykendahl: Yellow, West Bellfort: Green
Bus service will run from the Park & Ride Lot to Texas and Avenue de las Americas for drop-off/pick-up. Queuing line signs are color-coded to match wristband route and destination. Roughly 12,000 to 15,000 additional riders (15 to 20 percent more than normal), are expected each day so prepare for some company at transit pick-up points. Information regarding light-rail, bus and Park & Ride for Final Four weekend is posted on RideMETRO.org
Light-rail Fare is $1.25 and tickets sold at rail stations are valid for three hours.
Friday, April 1 - Normal service Last Train: Northbound – 1:40 a.m. Southbound 2:20 a.m.
Saturday, April 2 - Pre/Post-game: Two-car trains as possible to support loads.
Post-game: Buses at Reliant to support rail Last Train: Northbound – 1:40 a.m. Southbound 2:20 a.m.
Sunday, April 3 - Normal service Last Train: Northbound – 11 pm Southbound 11:40 p.m.
Monday, April 4 - Pre/Post-game: Two-car trains as possible to support loads.
Pre-game: Rail Shuttle Buses – TMC to Smith Lands –
Shuttle Bus Only 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. -- every five minutes
Post-game: Buses at Reliant to support rail
Last Train: Northbound – 1:40 a.m. Southbound 2:20 a.m.
Those planning to attend events are encouraged to consider public transit to downtown Houston. METRO Park & Ride service is offered from four locations Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, to/from downtown for those attending the free concerts at Discovery Green.
Park & Ride Service locations:
Addicks Park & Ride Fuqua Park & Ride
14230 Old Katy Rd. 11755 Sabo Road
Houston, TX 77079 Houston, TX 77089
Kuykendahl Park & Ride West Bellfort Park & Ride
12920 Kuykendahl 11415 Roark Road
Houston, TX 77090 Houston, TX 77031
Service every half hour as follows:
Sat., April 2 - Event Time: Noon – 6 p.m.
To Downtown: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
From Downtown: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (last bus at 8 p.m.)
Sun., April 3 - Event Time: 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
To Downtown: Noon to 6 p.m.
From Downtown: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. (last bus 12 Midnight)