Making Houston More Connected and Less Congested
In an effort to deploy an innovative solution that optimizes available capacity while managing the demand growth, shifts, and spikes associated with scheduled and unscheduled events, the Texas Department of Transportation Houston District (TxDOT HOU) applied for and received a USDOT Fast Act Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment grant.
Metropia and ConnectSmart Collaboration
In 2019, Metropia was selected as the contractor by TxDOT HOU to develop and deploy Houston ConnectSmart, a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app that integrates the region’s Transportation Systems Management and Operation (TSMO) and Active Demand Management (ADM) with intermodal travel options to optimize available capacity while managing the region’s demand.
Integrated Platform Addressing System Goals and User Needs
By integrating advanced mobility technologies and data sources, Metropia provides predictive multi-intermodal travel times and costs, and leverages behavioral economics to encourage the use of alternative mobility options. The platform, launched in September 2022, represents the first deployment of a MaaS platform in a major US city.
Approach to Regional Challenges
Beginning with its white-labeled version of the GoEzy trip planning app, Metropia developed ConnectSmart with regional challenges in mind. The app tackles issues such as public transportation infrastructure lagging behind rapid development and the lack of first-mile and last-mile connectivity between public transit hubs and final destinations.
ConnectSmart’s Impact on Houston Mobility
Today, ConnectSmart’s Mobility as a Service platform connects multiple modes of transportation, offering travelers seamless door-to-door travel experiences. Through Metropia’s dynamic MaaS and ADM ecosystem, TxDOT-Houston is gaining insight into the operations of its network, addressing travel demand with proactive strategies like pre-travel alerts and en-route messaging about road closures or incidents.
Results and Accomplishments
As of July 31, 2023, ConnectSmart has nearly 20,000 users who have contributed to:
46,950+ miles not driven (VMT reduction)
41,650+ lbs of CO2 reduced
25,000+ transit tickets sold
$32,300+ fuel savings from VMT reductions
Looking Ahead: Expanding Mobility Options
Metropia plans to expand ConnectSmart’s MaaS offerings with more mobility options, such as national and local Transportation Network Companies, Vanpools, and updated data feeds from regional transit agencies. ConnectSmart’s behavior engine will deliver personalized mobility services by analyzing user behavior and nudging them towards adopting new mobility alternatives.
For more information, visit the official website: www.houstonconnectsmart.com