Rising commuter demand is prompting The Woodlands Township to add more downtown Houston bus runs and increase Woodlands Express fares by $2 beginning April 1.
Officials from The Woodlands Township have announced a $2 fare increase for riders of The Woodlands Express, along with expanded service to downtown Houston, effective April 1. This decision comes in response to a notable increase in ridership.
Transportation officials in the township reported a significant increase in demand for the commuter bus service, attributed to the rising number of workers returning to in-person office schedules throughout the Houston area.
Transportation director Ruthanne Haut reported a 14% increase in ridership on the Woodlands Express from 2024 to 2025, highlighting an even more significant surge observed earlier this year.
During the township's meeting on February 26, Haut reported a significant 22% increase compared to the same period last year. “Downtown ridership is experiencing a significant resurgence.”
The service now provides daily commuter routes from three park-and-ride locations in The Woodlands to key employment centers throughout the region. Transportation options encompass downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza, and the Energy Corridor.
Officials from the township have announced that the system ranks second among park-and-ride services in the Houston region.
The recent fare increase comes on the heels of an earlier adjustment made in April 2024. During that time, the township raised the base fare from $13 to $15, following an 18-month study funded by a federal grant. This study aimed to enhance operations and lower costs for both the commuter bus system and the Town Center trolley service.
In conjunction with the fare increase, township officials have announced plans to introduce additional midday bus services. Board members assert that this move will provide commuters with greater flexibility in their travel options.
Board member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs emphasized that the expanded schedule will provide riders with more travel options throughout the day.
“This initiative is set to enhance comfort for parents of children, allowing them to return home if necessary,” stated Sekula-Gibbs.
Township chairman Brad Bailey justified the fare increase in a recent statement. He also proposed that residents should receive some benefits, given that local taxpayers contribute to the service's support.
“Many residents utilize the commuter bus service; however, it is evident that a significant number also travel from outside the area,” Bailey stated. Officials emphasized the importance of considering taxpayers, stating, “We’ve got to keep them in mind because they are the ones that are paying for it.”
Haut pointed out that federal regulations had previously restricted the ability to charge lower fares solely for township residents, which has implications for how the commuter bus service can be funded and accessed by both local and non-local riders.
The Woodlands Express operates with financial support derived from a mix of federal transit funding, township contributions, and fares collected from riders. In November, the township successfully obtained $25 million in federal funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council to replace its commuter bus fleet.
Officials anticipate the arrival of new buses in September, which will enable the township to move away from reliance on contractor-owned vehicles.
Officials from the township have projected that between 55% and 60% of individuals utilizing the Woodlands Express are residents of The Woodlands. According to Haut, reduced fares are now accessible for seniors, veterans, and students.
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