Making Houston Safer, Less Congested, and More Connected: Houston ConnectSmart Updates

At Houston ConnectSmart, we're on a mission to make Houston safer, less congested, and more connected. Over the past year and a half, we’ve rolled out a variety of feature updates and partnerships designed to improve your commute—whether you’re behind the wheel, hailing an Uber, or planning a carpool. To make it even more engaging, we’ve added new ways for users to earn rewards through interactive Challenges, collectible Badges, and Loyalty Tiers.

Here’s a look at the latest ConnectSmart features now available in the app.

Smarter and Safer Navigation with ConnectSmart’s Latest Features

CarPlay/Android Auto and Third-Party Navigation Integrations

• CarPlay and Android Auto Integration: ConnectSmart works seamlessly with your vehicle’s infotainment system, giving you access to safer hands-free navigation and app features while on the go.

• Third-Party Navigation Integration: Prefer Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze? You can start your trip in ConnectSmart and continue with your preferred navigation app—without missing out on rewards or trip tracking.

• School Zone Alerts: Along with technology partner Applied Information, ConnectSmart notifies you when entering a school zone and if you're exceeding the school zone’s speed limit—making school routes safer for everyone.

• Weather Alerts: Real-time alerts keep you informed of weather-related hazards that may affect your travel plans.

• HOV Lane Routing: If you’re carpooling, ConnectSmart shows you the fastest and most cost-efficient way to use Houston’s HOV and HOT lanes based on your vehicle occupancy.

• Pay for Uber with Coins: Coins earned through ConnectSmart can be used to help cover Uber rides—just another way the app rewards your smart travel choices.

Boost Your Rewards with Challenges, Badges, and Tiers

We’ve made the experience of using the app more fun—and more rewarding: including Bingo Challenges, Achievement Badges, and Loyalty Tiers.

Explorer Challenge Bingo Game: This interactive game rewards you for exploring app features and completing various tasks. Additional Bingo Challenges (Green, Carpool, Biking, and Referral) keep the fun going with travel mode-specific games so you can earn Coins no matter how you use the app!

Badges: Rack up digital badges by carpooling, biking, using transit, reducing CO2 emissions, and saving money. Every trip gets you one step closer!

Tiers: The more you use ConnectSmart, the more you earn. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Tier users unlock bonus rewards like extra raffle entries, referral rewards, and Uber ride credits.

Ready to explore the latest features? Open the app and start your next trip today.