Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is giving residents a reason to skip the car and hop on a bus this September. As part of Ozone Action Month, the Free Fare Fridays program will allow people to ride select bus routes free of cost every Friday in September 2025.
The aim is to encourage more people to use public transport and help improve the region’s air quality.
Why Free Fare Fridays Matter
Ground-level ozone is a major factor behind poor air quality in the Houston area and its surrounding counties. In 2024, the region recorded 55 high ozone days, the highest in Texas, as per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
On a national level, the American Lung Association ranked Houston as the 7th worst metro area for ozone pollution in its 2025 State of the Air report.
“Choosing transit instead of driving is one of the easiest ways to reduce vehicle emissions,” said Jamila Owens, Assistant Director of Transportation at H-GAC. “Every ride makes a difference in protecting our health and improving our region’s air quality.”
Where You Can Ride Free
Residents can ride free every Friday in September 2025 on the following transit systems:
Harris County Transit
Fort Bend Transit
The Woodlands Township Transit
Conroe Connection Transit
More details, including schedules and routes, are available at yourcommutesolution.org/breathe.
Positive Impact of Free Transit
When the Free Fare Fridays initiative first launched in 2024, The Woodlands saw a 15% increase in ridership compared to September 2023. Interestingly, many people continued using transit even after the free rides ended. This shows that affordable and accessible transit can encourage long-term behaviour change.
Other Ways to Reduce Ozone Pollution
Apart from using public transport, residents can take simple steps to reduce air pollution:
Carpool or vanpool if public transit is not an option
Avoid keeping engines running while parked
Keep vehicles serviced for better fuel efficiency
Refuel vehicles in the evening instead of during the day
Combine errands into one trip to drive less
Walk or cycle for short distances
About Free Fare Fridays
The program is a joint effort between H-GAC’s Commute Solutions, TxDOT, Harris County METRO, Fort Bend County, The Woodlands Township, and the City of Conroe. It is also supported by Air Alliance Houston, Houston ConnectSmart, and METRO Star Vanpool.
Free Fare Fridays is more than just a free ride – it’s a movement to improve air quality, reduce vehicle pollution, and make transit a habit for residents.
With Houston ranking among the worst cities for ozone pollution, every step toward cleaner air counts. Choosing the bus, even for one day a week, can help build a healthier and more sustainable future for the region.
