Regional Transit Information Study (RTIS)

About the Study

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), in partnership with Toole Design, Vesta Rea, Outside Voices, local transit providers, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is conducting the Regional Transit Information Study (RTIS) to enhance how transit information is communicated and accessed throughout the Houston-Galveston region.

Building on the findings of the Regional Public Transportation Coordination Plan (RPTCP), the RTIS aims to reduce information barriers that limit transit use by helping riders better understand what services are available and how to access them. The study will assess current information tools, identify traveler needs, and develop strategies for more coordinated and user-friendly communication among regional transit agencies.

Through this effort, H-GAC and its partners will:

• Evaluate existing transit information systems and identify best practices across local and national agencies.
• Develop an evaluation rubric and a regional guide to improve information-sharing and customer communication.
• Explore innovative solutions such as trip planning tools, real-time service updates, integrated fare systems, and unified “one-stop” information platforms.

Ultimately, the RTIS will help make public transportation information more accessible, reliable, and seamless across the 13-county Houston-Galveston region for all users.

Why This Matters

• Many riders struggle to find consistent, easy-to-use information about bus routes, paratransit, microtransit, and regional connections.

• Better information will help people make smarter, faster travel decisions — especially seniors, people with disabilities, and new riders.

• The study will identify strategies for regional coordination so riders can get reliable trip information no matter where they travel in the Gulf Coast region.

🕒Project Timeline