January 28, 2026 (Houston, TX)
Houston's Free, Electric Shuttle Service, Community Connector, Moves 150,000 Riders Providing Essential Mobility
Houston’s free, electric shuttles, called Community Connector, moved their 150,000th passenger this month signaling the program’s strong value to the community.
Utilizing Circuit’s technology, RYDE launched the Community Connector service with two vehicles in June 2023 with support from nonprofit Evolve Houston. After an initial four week pilot program, Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz used a contingency fund to continue the service launched in historic Third Ward. In December 2023, the City of Houston agreed to continue funding the program and its initial expansion. In December 2024, an inter-local agreement between the City of Houston and Harris County METRO Transit Authority furthered the expansion of the service which now operates twenty vehicles. Since then, a change in funding spearheaded by Harris County METRO, MV Transportation, and RYDE has allowed the shuttles to keep thriving.
"It’s first-and-last mile, but it’s also curb-to-curb," said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Brock. "So, if you’re within a three-to-five-mile radius, and it’s too far to walk or too far to get to where you need to be — in terms of getting to the library or getting to your doctor’s appointment or catching transit — this will help connect you."
Community Connector is operated locally by RYDE in partnership with Circuit and is available on-demand through the Ride Circuit app. The shuttles run throughout five separate service zones across Houston ensuring passengers and community members are taken on the most efficient routes that help deliver essential connections to grocery stores, existing transit systems, community resources, and more while lessening traffic congestion. The current service zones are in Downtown Houston, Second Ward, Third Ward, Near Northside, and Houston Heights.
Data about Community Connector showcases how well-used and appreciated the service is.
Community Connector’s performance highlights include:
- 150,000+ passengers moved and 300 requests per day, with top destinations including METRO stops highlighting how the community relies on and trusts the program.
- 120+ metric tons of CO2 avoided from being released into the atmosphere improving local air quality and moving the City towards its sustainability goals outlined in the Houston Climate Action Plan.
- 50%+ of all trips shared between two or more rides, demonstrating how the service boosts efficiency and improves the City’s traffic congestion.
“Houston’s Community Connector is a meaningful example of how microtransit can serve a community,” said Alex Esposito, Co-Founder and CEO of Circuit. “The continuous evolution and growth of this program demonstrates what an impact it’s made. Community Connector shows what’s possible when efficient, affordable, and sustainable transit is prioritized.”
Community Connector’s electric shuttles work in tandem with Houston’s existing public transportation making the entire transit system stronger. Moving more than 150,000 passengers in just a few years is a powerful signal that Community Connector is well-liked and well-used by Houston. For more information about this program, please visit: https://www.ridecircuit.com/houston.
About Circuit
Circuit is redefining transportation with all-electric, on-demand microtransit. Operating in 50+ U.S. markets, Circuit has provided millions of affordable rides that connect people to jobs, shops, healthcare, and entertainment by replacing short car trips. By partnering with cities, local governments, and private properties, Circuit delivers turnkey mobility that reduces congestion, cuts emissions, and strengthens local economies.
Media Contact: katie.cook@ridecircuit.com
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