Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
Ride Transit for Free Every Friday in September
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is making it easier for residents to take public transportation and help improve air quality. Every Friday in September 2025, riders can enjoyfree bus service on select routes during Ozone Action Month through the Free Fare Fridays program.
Ground-level ozone is a major cause of poor air quality in our eight-county region, which includes Harris and the seven surrounding counties. In 2024, the Houston area had 55 high ozone days, the most of any metro area in Texas, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The region also ranked seventh worst in the nation for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report.
“Choosing transit instead of driving is one of the easiest ways to reduce vehicle emissions,” said Jamila Owens, assistant director of Transportation at H-GAC. “Every ride makes a difference in protecting our health and improving our region’s air quality.”
Where to Ride Free
Residents can ride free every Friday in September on participating routes from:
- Harris County Transit
- Fort Bend Transit
- The Woodlands Township Transit
- Conroe Connection Transit
Details, schedules, and participating routes are available at yourcommutesolution.org/breathe.
Why Transit Matters
When Free Fare Fridays launched last year, ridership in The Woodlands increased by 15 percent compared to September 2023. More people continued riding transit even after the free days ended, showing that residents are ready to choose transit when it’s convenient and affordable.
More Ways to Improve Houston Air Quality
Along with riding transit, residents can help reduce ozone pollution by:
- Carpooling or vanpooling if transit isn’t available
- Avoiding engine idling while parked
- Keeping vehicles maintained for better fuel efficiency
- Fueling up in the evening to reduce emissions
- Combining trips to drive less
- Walking or biking for short trips
About Free Fare Fridays
Free Fare Fridays is a partnership between H-GAC’s Commute Solutions program, TxDOT, Harris County METRO, Fort Bend County, The Woodlands Township, and the city of Conroe. The program is supported by Air Alliance Houston, Houston ConnectSmart, and METRO Star Vanpool.
For full details, visit yourcommutesolution.org/breathe.
Source: Houston-Galveston Area Council
