KHOU 11’s Jennifer Reyna breaks down how you can avoid parking headaches by taking the Houston METRO.

HOUSTON — If you’re headed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, you might want to skip the parking headache.

KHOU 11 traffic expert Jennifer Reyna met up with Houston METRO’s Meredith Johnson to show off how riding the METRO could be an easier trail to the rodeo.

The first thing you’ll need to do is download the RideMETRO app before you leave home. The app lets you map out your trip, see nearby station, track trains in real time, and pay your fare right from your phone.

“Starting this year, we have our new fare system where you do not have to have a physical card,” Johnson explained. “You can just tap your watch, tap your phone with an Apple or Google Pay. You can bring your own credit card or debit card and just be a one time rider, making it as easy as possible for people to get to the rodeo.”

During the week, the Red Line train drops riders off right at NRG Park on the fan side, with trains running about every 6 minutes during peak hours and about ever 12 minutes in the evenings. On weekends, trains run about every 12 minutes. On rodeo nights, METRO is extending service, with trains running until 2 a.m.

“We’re making it as easy as possible,” Johnson said. “With so many different options with extended routes, longer hours, if you ride METRO to rodeo, you can stay, you can party. We will get you home. We want people to come out here and have a safe, good time.”

So, if you want to ride the METRO, where should you park? There are several parking lots along the Red Line where people can park and jump on the train. For those coming from the suburbs, METRO Park and Ride lots make it easy. You can park at one of their lots and connect directly to rail service downtown.

As for safety concerns, METRO said it’s been ramping up security.

“We have added additional officers on board our buses and our trains in uniform and plain clothes. They’re out there,” Johnson said. “Wehave security cameras that are monitoring our buses and our rails in live time.”

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