KATY -- Metro's newest Park and Ride rolled out Monday morning.

The first bus left the Katy location, just north of I-10 on the Grand Parkway, at 5:30 a.m.

Metro said they are expanding commuter service in Katy with the addition of the 222 Grand Parkway Park and Ride. The new service provides direct service between the Grand Parkway and downtown Houston.

Buses will depart every 15 minutes starting at 5:30 a.m. and return every 15 minutes between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The bus fare is $3.50 each way. Metro is encouraging riders to use the new Q Card, reminding them that they'll get five free trips for every 50 paid ones.

"Because it's just the comfort of riding and not worrying about the traffic," commuter Denita Smith said. "It's very nice to read or do whatever you need to do you know -- a lot of people take naps."

Metro also parked a Q Card bus at the location Monday morning to help riders make the transition. On Thursday, it will stop selling the day pass and other discount passes. Metro said it's trying to simplify the way riders pay for their fares.

Starting March 3, riders will only have two ways to pay to ride: the Q Card and cash.