Revolutionizing Mobility: How Houston METRO Tackles Mobility Challenges with On-Demand Transit

About this webinar

Join us Wednesday, June 7th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT as RideCo's Dan Finley has a panel discussion with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s Auturo Jackson, Michael Andrade, and Brittney Houston on their approach to On-Demand Transit in both the Microtransit and Paratransit facets.

METRO and RideCo will open the doors and discuss everything from inception, the decision to implement on-demand transit, specifics of how the service works, its impressive results, and what's on the road ahead!

In this webinar, you’ll learn about:

How a large-footprint transit agency implemented on-demand transit to solve different mobility challenges:

- - Fixed Route Replacement
  - Education Commuting (School Trips)
  - Late Night Service
  - Same-Day, On-Demand Paratransit

What implementation looked like, and how 'partnering' rather than 'hiring' a provider is essential to an effective service
The resulting metrics of the service, along with the journey it took to achieve these metrics

Auturo Jackson

Vice President of Specialized Transit Services, METRO

Auturo Jackson serves as Vice President of Specialized Transit Services managing Contracted, Paratransit, and Micro Transit Services with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Having served with METRO for over 33 years, Auturo’s responsibilities include directing one of the company’s largest non-union departments, with over 140 employees.

Auturo and his team are responsible for overseeing METRO’s contract operated services valued at approximately half a billion dollars. These services include METRO’s Northwest Bus Operating Facility, METROLift, and Micro Transit Services.

METRO’s Northwest Bus Operating Facility (BOF) is operated by a private contractor, First Transit Inc. This BOF provides about 20% of METRO bus passenger trips. METROLift, the paratransit service of METRO, serves approximately 17,000 registered riders with disabilities and in FY22 provided approximately 1.4 million passenger trips. METROLift is not only one of the largest paratransit services in the country but is also recognized throughout the transit industry as one of the most innovative and cost-efficient paratransit services. METRO’s Micro Transit Services offer communities a viable means of transportation within the immediate area and connects people with METRO’s larger transportation network. Known by riders as curb2curb Services, communities in the inner city, outlying areas, and surrounding small cities are eager to use the services. With the implementation of an on-demand ridesharing app, the popularity and demand for the service has increased.

Michael Andrade

Director of Paratransit (METROLift) & Microtransit Services, METRO

Michael Andrade serves as Director of Paratransit (METROLift) and Microtransit Services with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Michael has 33 years of service with METRO.

Along with METROLift’s Customer Service, Eligibility, and Dispatch operations, Michael is also responsible for METRO’s first Microtransit operation, which began in 2015. This service, now known as curb2curb, connects communities with METRO’s fixed route, rail, and Park & Ride services across the region. These services provide vital transportation for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the general public. METRO’s curb2curb service helps improve riders’ quality of life by connecting them to work, medical, educational, shopping, and spiritual centers. Currently, METRO operates four (4) curb2curb zones with several more in the planning stages.

Michael has dedicated his career to ensuring people in the METRO region receive safe, reliable transportation and excellent customer service through the use of innovative, cost-effective methods.

Brittney Houston

Manager- Micro Transit Service, METRO

Brittney is the manager of the Micro Transit service at METRO and a born and raised native Houstonian. With over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 12 years with METRO, Brittney has displayed her dedication and ability. Starting as a part-time Customer Service Representative with METROLift, she quickly advanced to become a full-time METROLift Dispatcher. Throughout her career with METRO, Brittney has held various positions within the Contracted Compliance department, highlighting her versatility and commitment. Brittney has been fully committed to the pilot launch and execution of the curb2curb app with Rideco. Brittney holds a bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in Human Resources.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brittney actively gives back to her community through volunteering at diverse events. When not working or volunteering, she cherishes quality time with her two teenagers, creating unforgettable memories.

WEBINAR