The challenge
A fragmented ecosystem
After enhancing the arrival prediction system, which enabled Houston METRO to offer the most efficient bus stop arrival predictions, our collaboration to improve the transportation experience for riders continued.
Public transportation users in Houston faced a fragmented service ecosystem that included three separate mobile applications: an official app with general information (maintained by the Agency itself), one more for trip planning and real-time predictions (maintained by Solvd), and another one for ticketing. As a result, riders had to rely on three different sources at the same time, which created a disjointed and inconvenient experience, especially in a transportation context where speed and simplicity are critical. In addition, this fragmentation introduced operational challenges in managing and maintaining multiple systems.
The approach
Unified system based on Transit IQ
To simplify the process both for users and employees, with Solvd support, Houston METRO decided to unify all three systems into one with Transit IQ as a foundation. There are a few reasons why Transit IQ was the best fit for the Houston METRO’s big update.
First, their RideMETRO app, powered by TransitIQ, was the most sophisticated of the three, already offering many popular and complex features, such as real-time arrival information and trip planning. It is a state-of-the-art mobile app that containsmore than 10 years’ worth of updates and customizations driven by Houston METRO’s priorities.
In addition, the value of Transit IQ is amplified not only by the product itself but also by the Solvd team’s ability to act as a system integrator. In this setup, INIT, a worldwide leading supplier of IT solutions for public transport, provided a full-fledged, mobile-friendly web experience seamlessly embedded in the native Transit IQ application, while Solvd focused on security integration and QR-code ticket validation.
This combination of technology and skills was exactly what Houston METRO needed to integrate the new payment system into its existing mobile application.
Technologies and partners
Tools used
The outcome
As a result, Houston METRO introduced a one-stop shop for everything with its new fare system which replaced previous services. The application provides users with a single access point for all essential functions through one online account, allowing them to manage multiple fare cards in one place. In addition, it offers expanded payment options (physical and virtual RideMETRO fare card, cash and credit card), a rewards system and the ability to add funds to any card in your account.
With tens of thousands of Houston riders using public transport every day, this modernization levels up user experience across the region, expands accessibility and helps reshape daily urban life in Houston. Being a repeatable solution, this integration provides a proven foundation that other areas can adopt to improve urban mobility and rider engagement.
About client
Houston METRO
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is a major public transportation agency based in Houston, Texas, United States. It operates bus, light rail, bus rapid transit, HOV and HOT lanes, and paratransit service (under the name METROLift) in the city as well as most of Harris County. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 77,189,800, or about 244,700 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.
Industry
Government & public services
Headquarters
Houston, Texas
