Commuters who ride The Woodlands Express can skip the fare every Friday throughout September.

The Township announced Tuesday, Aug. 25, that it is partnering with the Houston-Galveston Area Council's Commute Solutions program to offer "Free Fare Fridays" for the entire month, timed to celebrate national Transit Month. All routes will be free on Sept. 4, Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25. No ticket is required.

At $17 per round trip — a price the Township Board of Directors unanimously approved effective April 1, up from $15 — four free Fridays represent $68 in savings for a regular rider. The increase aligned with a phased fare plan the board introduced in 2024 after a public comment period in January and February.

The Township is encouraging riders to bring a coworker or friend who has never tried the service, calling it "the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to an easier way to commute."

The Woodlands Express runs weekdays from three Park and Ride locations: Research Forest, Sterling Ridge and Sawdust. Buses connect to Downtown Houston, Greenway Plaza, the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District and the Energy Corridor.

The promotion appears to be the first fare-free offer for the Express service. No prior free-ride promotion was found in available coverage, according to Hello Woodlands, which published the Township's announcement.

H-GAC Commute Solutions, the regional partner behind the promotion, provides commuter resources at yourcommutesolution.org/breathe. Routes, maps and schedules for The Woodlands Express are available at woodlandstransit.com.

Riders needing assistance or worried about a missed bus can call (832) 851-3362. The first Free Fare Friday is Sept. 4.