by Connie Boyd

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 13, 2008

Light rail is relatively new to the Houston transportation scene, so for locals and visitors alike, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the system.

DO: Plan According to the Map and Schedule

The METRORail system only has one north-south path from University of Houston Downtown on the north end to Reliant Park on the south end. You can get a lot of places on the light rail, but you can't get everywhere, so it would be worth it to check out the

Rail Map and Schedule before you hop on to points unknown.

DO: Purchase a Rail Ticket and Hang On to It

People who think they are going to be clever and just jump on at any stop without buying a ticket are in for a big surprise. The METRORail is heavily policed, especially during peak times, so it is not unusual to exit the light rail only to find that Houston police officers are checking for tickets or proof of payment. The fines for rail jumping are significant, so pony up the $2 for a round trip rather than risk it and hang on to your ticket.

DO: Pick up a Metro Q Card if you are a frequent rider

The Metro Q card is a free card that you load with money to swipe and pay your fares on Houston's transit system. The fares are discounted for Q Card users, and you earn five free rides for every 50 that you purchase. This is also the only way to get a free transfer when switching between light rail and bus during your trip. Cash payment requires a new fare for each leg of the trip, but Q Card users continue to get a free transfer within a certain amount of time. Users can also access the My Q Card section of the Metro web site to access information on the remaining available balance.

DO: Use the Light Rail for any trip to the Texas Medical Center

Renowned not only for the high quality of hospitals and care, the Texas Medical Center is also well known for the abysmal parking situation. Rather than schlep your car into TMC and pay high parking prices, most visitors will be better off parking their cars at a $5 lot in downtown and using the light rail to get to the Medical Center. This does add some time to your trip, but if your schedule permits the flexibility, it is well worth the parking headache.

DO: Ride Your Bike and Ride the Rail

The light rail in Houston is an excellent partner for bicycle travel for those visitors wanting to "go green." Cyclists are permitted to bring their bikes on board the train during their trip, provided their trip is during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. Considering the fact that most buses are also equipped with on-board bike racks, this combination of transportation will decrease the overall impact to the environment.

In general, the Houston Light Rail is a straightforward experience similar to those found in other major metropolitan cities, but taking the above points into consideration, travelers will be able to make the most out of their ride.

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