It is easier to explain this to someone from here :)

I did it a little bit myself even in Houston, but that is mostly for Housotn traffic. When we lived in the north part of town in the suburbs, I used to take the HOV lane city bus to office for 5 years. Then when we moved inside the loop, it was no longer viable, because now I have to drop kids to school before I go to work.

Yes, it is possible even in Houston, but typically if you are young and single.