Houston’s METRO system offers bus and light rail service to help you get around the city.
If you’re looking for information on the 217 bus route, you’ve come to the right place! The 217 bus runs from Louisiana St @ St Joseph Pkwy all the way to Cypress Park & Ride.
This guide provides a complete look at the 217 bus schedule, including all stops, fare information, and resources to help you plan your trip.
Understanding the 217 Bus Route
The 217 bus route serves Houston and the surrounding area. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Route Overview
The 217 bus runs outbound from downtown Houston to the Cypress Park & Ride, passing through the Northwest Transit Center along the way. The route includes 9 stops and takes approximately 49 minutes to complete.
Schedule Information
The 217 bus operates on weekdays, with buses running every 8 minutes during peak hours, Monday through Friday. For detailed schedule information, including specific departure times and real-time updates, it’s best to check the METRO website or app. These resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, allowing you to plan your trip with confidence.
Key Stops and Locations
The 217 bus makes nine stops along its route:
- Louisiana St @ St Joseph Pkwy
- Louisiana St @ Pease St
- Louisiana St @ Bell St
- Louisiana St @ Lamar St
- Louisiana St @ Walker St
- Louisiana St @ Capitol St
- Franklin St @ Congress St
- Northwest Transit Center – Platform 2
- Cypress Park & Ride
The Northwest Transit Center is an important stop on the route. It’s a major hub where passengers can transfer to other bus routes and reach destinations across the city.
The final stop on the 217 route is the Cypress Park & Ride. This location provides parking for commuters who want to take the bus into the city.
Fares and payment options
Here’s what you need to know about fares and how to pay them when you ride the 217 bus.
Fare structure
The regular fare is $1.25 per ride. Discounted fares are available for certain riders:
- Children age 5 and younger ride free, when accompanied by an adult.
- Seniors age 70 and over ride free with a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card.
- Disabled or decorated veterans ride free with a METRO Veterans Pass.
- METROLift customers and one assistant ride free with a METROLift Freedom Q® Card.
Payment methods
You can pay your fare in several different ways:
- Fare card
- Mobile ticket
- Cash
The METRO Q® Fare Card is the easiest and most convenient way to pay. It allows you to transfer for free between local buses, the METRORail, and METRO curb2curb.
If you pay with cash, keep in mind that the bus operator can’t make change. You’ll need to have exact fare. Also, cash fares don’t include free transfers.
Planning Your Trip on the 217 Bus
Got a trip in mind? There are several ways to plan your journey on the 217 bus.
Trip Planning Tools
You can use the trip planning tools on the METRO website, the METRO app, or even external mapping services like Google Maps to figure out the best way to get where you’re going.
The METRO website and app let you plan your trip and check schedules. You can also use the interactive map on the website to see the entire route of the 217 bus.
If you prefer a physical map, you can pick one up at any of the transit centers.
Real-Time Tracking and Updates
One of the handiest features is the ability to track your bus in real time. You can text your stop number, followed by your route number, to 697433 and get up-to-the-minute arrival information.
Real-time info is also available through the mobile app, the website, on the maps, and on digital displays at some stops.
It’s also a good idea to subscribe to service alerts so you’ll know about any unexpected changes or detours that might affect your trip.
Summary
If you need to get from downtown Houston to the Cypress Park & Ride, the 217 bus route is a valuable transportation resource.
To make your ride as smooth as possible, remember that the METRO website and app have all the information you need about schedules, fares, and how to plan your trip. You can also track the 217 in real-time by sending a text message or using one of the many mobile apps that connect with Houston METRO.
METRO may need to make changes to the 217 route from time to time. To stay up-to-date on the latest service alerts, including detours and other changes, sign up for email or text notifications. With a little planning, you can rely on the 217 to get you where you need to go!