Harris County Transit doubles its service

[editor]

Starting Monday, January 4, Harris County Transit Services is greatly expanding its bus service to areas traditionally not serviced by Metro. The new routes will more than double the current service to over 60 linear miles and triple the number of stops.

The routes will link residents of Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Clear Lake, Seabrook, South Houston, Highlands and Crosby into a single transit system, offering a variety of new travel options. Harris County Transit Services Director, Ken Fickes says people will be able to get to jobs, to school or the doctor.

"It is our hope that more and more residents will see this as an affordable way to get around. We tried to take people's travel needs into account. For instance, you can get on a bus in Crosby and go to the Strawberry Medical Clinic in Pasadena for at most, only a dollar," said Ken Fickes, Director of Harris County Transit Services.

Other direct stops include the Harris County Recovers Housing Assistance Center, 16602 Diana Lane, (serving residents who still have homes damaged by Hurricane Ike), San Jacinto College and Pasadena

Town Square Mall. The routes also include stops at various drug stores, grocery stores and libraries.

Harris County Community Services Director David Turkel expressed gratitude for the public and private cooperation that made this new service a possibility.

"We are grateful to the Houston Galveston Area Council for providing the grant for the service and for the support and cooperation from elected officials and the business community along these routes, Turkel said."

While the maximum price is $1.00 per ride, seniors and those who are disabled will only pay 50 cents. All students with an ID are free.

Route service times vary by location. Starting times range from 5:30 - 7am, and conclude between 6-7 pm. Monday through Friday. For the latest routes and schedules go to www.harriscountytransit.com , then follow the Services tab to Proposed Services.

[totheskies]

Starting Monday, January 4, Harris County Transit Services is greatly expanding its bus service to areas traditionally not serviced by Metro. The new routes will more than double the current service to over 60 linear miles and triple the number of stops.

The routes will link residents of Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Clear Lake, Seabrook, South Houston, Highlands and Crosby into a single transit system, offering a variety of new travel options. Harris County Transit Services Director, Ken Fickes says people will be able to get to jobs, to school or the doctor.

"It is our hope that more and more residents will see this as an affordable way to get around. We tried to take people's travel needs into account. For instance, you can get on a bus in Crosby and go to the Strawberry Medical Clinic in Pasadena for at most, only a dollar," said Ken Fickes, Director of Harris County Transit Services.

Other direct stops include the Harris County Recovers Housing Assistance Center, 16602 Diana Lane, (serving residents who still have homes damaged by Hurricane Ike), San Jacinto College and Pasadena

Town Square Mall. The routes also include stops at various drug stores, grocery stores and libraries.

Harris County Community Services Director David Turkel expressed gratitude for the public and private cooperation that made this new service a possibility.

"We are grateful to the Houston Galveston Area Council for providing the grant for the service and for the support and cooperation from elected officials and the business community along these routes, Turkel said."

While the maximum price is $1.00 per ride, seniors and those who are disabled will only pay 50 cents. All students with an ID are free.

Route service times vary by location. Starting times range from 5:30 - 7am, and conclude between 6-7 pm. Monday through Friday. For the latest routes and schedules go to www.harriscountytransit.com , then follow the Services tab to Proposed Services.

Wow this is great news for the East Harris County!

[lockmat]

Seems like it's misnamed. Should put the word, "East" in front.

Also, I'm searching for how long they believe this grant will last. I wonder if HGAC intends to give it again if it's a success; if not who will?

[citizen4rmptown]

Come 2012(or whenever the LRT is done) , i think the entire area East of Downtown Houston will be one of the most Public Transportation Friendly part of Houston.

• Pasadena Park & Ride(METRO)
• Baytown Park & Ride(METRO)
• East End Line(METRO)
• Southeast Line(METRO)
• Local Service Buses(METRO)
• Baytown Fixed Route(HCT)
• Baytown/Highlands/Crosby Route(HCT)
• Pasadena/SoHo/La Porte Route(HCT)
• Seabrook/Clear Lake/NASA Route(HCT)*

*Although I dont really consider the last route in the same area...