<p>Hi guys. I was wondering how reliable public transportation was around the area. I heard about the light rail. Is that effective?</p>
<p>Also, how is the parking/car situation? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>From what I gather from the presentations, transportation is on its way up, however if you're from Boston or NY you will have to get used to the general lack, however the new train runs through campus and ironically (or not) is the same stop as the zoo...ha</p>
<p>Anyway basically I hear it's enough but as Rice's reps said "We're working on it."</p>
<p>Public transport is reliable, but it doesn't cover the whole city effectively - but is probably fine for what you would use it for. There is a Rice shuttle that makes regular trips to the superTarget, etc - if you need to buy groceries and things. The lightrail runs right next to campus - between the park/zoo and campus - and you can hop it for free. It goes up to Reliant stadium and I believe past the museum district, etc. There are also buses that hook up with it, so you can get to the Hobby airport by bus if you need to. (Although friends may be able to drop you off orpick you up by car also.) It's not like New York or Boston in terms of quantity or usage - but it's not too bad. Parking for students is plentiful, although you may have to park at the edge of campus and walk/or take the shuttle. Campus is not so large that this is a problem, though! :)</p>
<p>metro bus/rail is great for getting around. i've only had one incident where the bus never came and it messed up evening plans. I took the bus to the airport and got there okay, although some people would mind the 30-40 minute ride. </p>
<p>there is this great service on ridemetro.org where you type in your time/place of departure/destination, and you can get there conveniently for your schedule. i've used it for the galleria a couple of times.</p>