How the IAH Subway moves

The engineering is deliberately simple.

Jul 30, 2026

The engineering is deliberately simple. Rather than carrying a conventional drive system in every train, the WEDway design places its propulsion system in the guideway.

Linear induction motors in the track create the force that moves the lightweight vehicles. Power for lighting, ventilation and the public-address system is delivered through conductor bars along the guideway. Keeping more equipment off the vehicles reduces weight, limits moving parts and removes potential failure points.

The result is not flashy. It is durable.

Houston’s original contract required the Subway to meet at least 99.6% monthly reliability or face financial penalties. In 2025, the system recorded 99.76% reliability while carrying more than 3.3 million passengers.