Red Lanes

A faster, more reliable commute is coming to downtown Houston. METRO's latest project, in partnership with the city of Houston, will bring a fresh new look to existing transit-only lanes in the city's central business district.

New markings, striping and signage will update dedicated bus and carpool lanes along Milam and Travis. The high-visibility overlay will be applied to existing diamond lanes on both streets to distinguish them from regular traffic lanes and clarify they are reserved for bus and carpool use only.

The project is an opportunity to refresh and update the lanes using an industry best practice of red striping and markings to provide visual instruction to users. According to the Federal Transit Administration, red lanes improve traffic flow by having designated lanes for public transit vehicles. Dedicated transit lanes can also improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians – making streets more equitable for all.

"We see this very much as a safety project," said METRO Chief Innovation Officer Kimberly Williams. "It creates structure among all users downtown."

The project is divided into three phases. Four blocks of the existing diamond lane on Travis, between Pierce and Leeland, will be treated with the red markings and signage during the first phase. Phase two will cover the remaining 14 blocks to Congress. The last stage will apply similar treatment to the entire stretch of Milam between Pierce and Congress. Completion of the project is expected in the spring of 2022. Additional information about the project can be found on METRO's website.

Red Lanes

Red Lane FAQ's

What are Red Lanes?

Since 2005, certain lanes in downtown Houston have been marked with a diamond symbol. These “diamond lanes” are for transit use only. METRO will be converting them to “Red Lanes” – painted and striped in red – with new signage and pavement markings that clearly designate these as bus-only or carpool-only lanes.

What benefits will this project offer?

Red lane markings, painting and striping – along with corresponding signage – will promote safety by creating greater visibility and education for all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. According to the Federal Transit Administration, Red Lanes increase safety and improve traffic flow.

If I’m riding in a single-occupancy vehicle, when can I use the lanes?

The lane markings and signage will indicate whether the lane is bus-only or carpool-only. You may only use the bus-only lane if you’re making a right turn. The carpool lane is for vehicles with 2+ passengers or a vehicle transitioning to make a turn. Lane markings and signage will indicate this.

Can I park in the lanes?

There’s no parking allowed in the lanes.

Are pickups or dropoffs allowed in the lanes?

There’s no idling allowed in the lanes – so pickups and dropoffs are not permitted.

Is METRO taking lanes away from regular traffic?

No. The Diamond Lanes which are being converted have been in operation since 2005.

Will this project affect travel through downtown?

Our initial studies show the project having just the opposite effect – with potential reduction in travel times and more efficient public transit service.

Will any parking garages be blocked?

No. Garage entrances and exits will not be blocked. You’ll be able to enter as you normally do.

When are the lanes in operation?

Lanes are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Who will enforce compliance in the lanes?

METRO Police Department (MPD) is responsible for enforcing compliance.

Who will maintain the Red Lanes?

METRO will continue maintaining the transit lanes.

What if I have more questions, who do I talk to?

METRO Customer Service is available to help and may be reached at 713-635-4000