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The goal of this thread is collect and house everyone's recommendations, tweaks, alternations, alternatives, etc... that they would like to see to Metro Next. The current draft which was exhibited this past summer is below: http://ridemetro.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=1651 Metro's call for further input on the draft prior to an upcoming referendum in 2019: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2018/11/23/312741/metro-moves-to-the-next-phase-in-developing-a-regional-transit-plan/ Whether planned or in response to the recent political shift (or both). The winds are changing and with that is a chance to broaden and enrich Metro's vision for their overall goals (2040 vision) and what could be achievable in the upcoming referendum (2019 referendum vision). I'm curious what the community here thinks is possible. This is without thinking about budgets or costs since we don't know what that could be. Assume for right now you can get what you want (within logical reason of course). What are your ideas or proposals? Light rail? regional rail? BRT? Links to HSR? Connections to Airports? Do you have an idea for an entire system and how it would work or do you just have idea for a small portion? Is this for the upcoming referendum or for what you want in Houston by 2040? Its open forum. Lets try to not stomp on any ideas. Later, if this is a successful thread we can have a thread where we get more critical. I'm partly doing this to get more engagement on this forum, tbh, lately its felt a bit stagnant (with the disappearance of the reaction buttons, etc...).

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/car-centric-texas-cities-reap-economic-boon-light-rail/

The numbers are in.. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2016/04/06/144320/houston-metro-ridership-numbers-for-2016-ncaa-final-four-are-in/

The draft plan has been released for public input! http://transitsystemreimagining.com/

This came in the e-mail this morning. -------------------- METRO RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO RISE AGENCY POSTS SIXTH STRAIGHT MONTH OF GROWTH More people are riding METRO buses and rail more often. METRO ridership is on the rise for a sixth consecutive month, recording a 5.2 percent increase to 6,357,131 boardings in January 2012 compared to 6,043,280 in January 2011. “Thanks to our focus on smart service and service changes to improve the system, we have been able to take advantage of the improving economy to deliver first-class transit to our community,” said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. Upward METRO Ridership Trend Continues for Sixth Consecutive Month Local bus and Park & Ride - January, 2011: 5,277,229 Local bus and Park & Ride - January, 2012: 5,455,106 MetroRAIL - January, 2011: 766,051 MetroRAIL - January, 2012: 902,025 METRORail ridership posted a 17.7 percent increase to 902,025 boardings compared to the 766,051 recorded in the same month last year. Park & Ride and local bus service jumped to 5,455,106 boardings versus 5,277,229 in January 2011. The continued growth is due in large part to increased employment in the area and METRO’s ongoing system adjustments to improve efficiency. Though there is currently no link between the agency’s growth in ridership and rising gas prices, METRO offers many alternatives to move about the city, and welcomes new riders and returning patrons. The latest transit savings report from the American Public Transportation Association shows that riding public transit saves about $9,914 a year. About METRO The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses, METRO is currently expanding its 7.5-mile light-rail line (Red Line), with three new lines under construction. METRO’s services also include:Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, Park & Ride and road improvement projects.

http://blog.chron.com/thehighwayman/2014/10/despite-complaints-houston-best-texas-city-for-transit-access/

Got this press release from Metro the other day. Interesting. But I wonder what the numbers will look like when it's summer. More Riders Combining Bicycles and METROBuses for Their Transit Needs The number of people using bikes to extend their bus trips (or vice versa) increased more than 47 percent jumping from 12,111 bike bus boardings in January 2013 to 17,859 in January this year, That's according to METRO figures which do not account for bikes taken onto light-rail trains. At the METRO Downtown Transit Center you'll find a bustling bike-share station, and at bus stops and train stations bikes ready to be loaded onto bike racks. Cyclists converge on the downtown area on a recent Bike to Work Day. "We are preparing for and trying to cultivate, these folks as repeat customers. We're doing that with bike racks on buses and at bike stands at bus stops. We've installed racks on our new trains and are working with the city to provide better infrastructure with bike lid storage at Park&Ride lots and B-Cycle facilities at our Downtown Transit Center," says METRO's Interim President & CEO Tom Lambert. Riders cross the Jackie Freeman hike and bike bridge at METRO's Kingsland Park & Ride. "The upward trend is gratifying. It's good exercise, gets cars off the road, relieves congestion and certainly cuts emissions that impact our air quality. We work with bus drivers to be more aware of cyclist needs and the rights of the road," Lambert continued. In October of 2013 METRO recorded, for the first time ever, more than 22,000 bike boardings on buses. That was 44 percent more than the previous year. METRO has encouraged bike ridership through collaboration with area agencies - advancing what was a grant for a three-station bike share start-up program to the 29 stations and 227 bikes it has today. Houston B-Cycle has registered more than 55,650 checkouts since opening - which comes to about 1,200 per week since the program expanded in March 2013. One of the most popular bike rental stations is located at METRO headquarters at 1900 Main St. METRO is also working on a Transit-Bike Connection study as well as partnering with Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) on a Bike and Ride Access Implementation plan. Meanwhile Rice University engineering students turned to METRO to work on their first project — the design of a rack to transport three bicycles at a time via bus. Their METRO-based project won this year’s Texas Department of Transportation’s College Challenge. That team was one of three finalists asked to develop concepts to help Texas mobility, connectivity and transportation safety issues. Students were motivated by a recent H-GAC study anticipating growth. The three-rack solution is one of several by Houston Action Research Team (HART) undergrads.

With all the drama around the university line and uptown line I would seriously think metro would try to allocate funds toward the Inner Katy line instead. I know it is part of future phase 3 projects but thats something that could go alot smoother then the others. To me, that would be a less difficult project to undertake because of location. Think about the route the line would take : It would connect at the downtown line, move north along Houston Ave and turn west at the railroad where amtrak is on. Metro could construct a line alone side the already existing freight rail that runs parallel to Washington Ave, Center St., and Allen St. It may have to use Allen St. as a route but noboby uses that street anyway. Then it could run across I-10, just like the railroad, run behind the TXDOT building, go across washington ave. and ride along old katy road to Antoine Rd. The perfect finish stop would be the IKEA and the Edwards theater. I think this way very few streets would have to be torn up, if so only a few sections. Maybe some businesses would have to move for space but not that much. Don't believe any houses would be effected. And for this most part, how could you object to a rail in your backyard, HELLO, there is a big one there already ! I really hope metro considers maybe putting the more difficult univeristy and uptown lines on the back burner for now. Lets start the Inner Katy line now !

Just got this press release. East and Southeast Tracks Tested with Trains This giant diesel-powered tow truck can operate on tracks, or on pavement. It is used when electrical current is not available to power a train. METRORail’s new East End (Green) Line tracks have been undergoing tests performed while dragging a light-rail vehicle up and down the track with a diesel-powered-shuttle. The test covers 2.3 miles of the 3.3 mile tracks. Crews are also performing live wire testing. The Southeast Line is also expecting visits from the train and its crews beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5. The train will be towed by the big, red shuttle wagon from an area near EaDo/Stadium Station (Texas at Bastrop in front of the BBVA Compass Stadium), to the Palm Center Transit Center to inspect curb height and other elements such as sign placement. The light-rail vehicle is transported much like a barge being led by a pilot boat, since electric power remains to be activated on these two evolving lines. Large sections of Styrofoam are often attached to provide a buffer in tight corners and places where obstructions are observed. Measurements are then taken and corrective action initiated. Public safety, particularly at intersections, is a top concern. Trains are being towed with assistance from METRO Police, and drivers and pedestrians are urged to take extra precaution in the area. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is wrapping up major light-rail expansion - adding 15.3 miles and 24 stations to its existing Main Street (Red) Line. The North (Red) extension opened in December 2013, and the East End (Green) and Southeast (Purple) lines will start service later this year. About the East End (Green) Line The 3.3-mile East End Line (Green Line) travels along Harrisburg through the historic East End to a variety of downtown entertainment and business destinations. Track that is closest to downtown will be shared with the Southeast (Purple) Line. From EaDo/Stadium station, passengers will be able to transfer to the Southeast Line and travel to the UH Central campus and Texas Southern University as well as Palm Center Transit Center. East End Line riders may board at Central Station Main for travel up or down the Main Street (Red) Line. About the Southeast (Purple) Line The Southeast Line (Purple Line) begins downtown and travels southeast along Capitol and Rusk to the Palm Center near MLK and Griggs. The 6.6- mile line travels through one of Houston's oldest African-American communities and connects to Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. The last portion of the track, shared with the East End Line (Green Line), will enable riders to transfer at the EaDo/Stadium station to travel through the historic East End. Riders can also continue to Central Station Main to transfer to the Red Line for travel up or down Main Street.

This press release arrived today: LET METRO REAL TIME T.R.I.P. APP EASE YOUR COMMUTETECHNOLOGY PUTS TRANSIT & ROUTE INFORMATION AT CUSTOMERS’ FINGERTIPS Pull out your smartphone and get ready to ride with METRO’s new T.R.I.P. (Transit Route Information & Planning) application! The new technology, bundled into one convenient download, retrieves METRO schedule information, predicts arrival time of buses, and helps you better plan trips aboard METRO’s entire transit system. The just unveiled features include: •Where Am I? Uses the GPS in your phone to pinpoint bus routes and rail lines close to your location. •Next Transport Gives information on scheduled and ‘real time’ bus arrivals as well as scheduled rail arrivals. •Plan My Trip This piece of the technology will find a convenient route for your trip based on arrival time, transfers, and/or walking distance – which helps get you to your destination quickly and easily. “This is just the beginning of our smart phone technology push to make it easier for passengers to plan for and take trips with METRO,” said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia. “We want more people to use the system, this is another way we are showing our commitment to doing just that.” Randy Frazier, METRO VP and Chief Information Officer, oversaw development of the new application and notes, “Our testing shows riders can count on the METRO TRIP App to accurately predict arrival of the next bus to within three minutes. We expect to continue work on this app to expand its uses and reliability." T.R.I.P. information is displayed on kiosks at Downtown Transit Center & City of Houston Visitor Center. The application is available as a free download at Apple, Android and Microsoft stores as well as on METRO’s ridemetro.org.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Greanias-stepping-down-as-Metro-CEO-4119765.php Damn shame, he was really turning the agency around. I'd wager it has something to do with the recent GMP referendum. The wonderful pundits and analysts of the Chronicle's comments section said we need someone with "transportation experience" this next go round. Well, Shirley DeLibero and Frank Wilson had decades of transportation experience between them and we all know how that turned out. Let's see what comes of this.

Press release from Metro: METRO BOARD APPROVES BALLOT LANGUAGE ELECTION CALLED FOR NOVEMBER 6TH METRO’s Board voted and approved a proposition today regarding the future of the General Mobility Program (GMP) which will be placed on the ballot on November 6, 2012. In an 8-1 vote, the board of directors voted to put forth a new proposal which would continue the GMP in its current form, allocating a quarter of its one-cent sales tax to its 16 member jurisdictions. However, allocations will be fixed (capped ) at the 2014 levels and any growth in revenues beyond the quarter of the sales tax will be split 50-50 between METRO and the other jurisdictions from October 2014 through December 2025. This allocation change is targeted to result in an additional $400 million for METRO. "This proposal will focus on two things; increased ridership and fiscal responsibility,” said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia.” The transit agency will be able to enhance our bus service and reduce short-term debt on the balance sheet. Throughout public discussions and meetings, I have always tried to find some type of compromise between the parties who wanted to continue GMP as it is, or end the program. This measure works toward that goal." The incremental growth portion allocated to METRO will be used for the following purposes: · Increase bus service hours and the purchase of up to 200 buses; · Construction of up to 1,000 additional bus shelters; · Commercial paper debt payments up to $200 million; · Operation and maintenance costs associated with additional service, bus shelters, Park and Ride facilities, bus transit centers and bus operating facilities. The proposition also calls for another election to be held prior to December 31, 2025 regarding METRO's continuing support of the General Mobility Program. For more about METRO’s 2012 General Mobility Program (GMP) Referendum web page, click here.

METRO is happy to announce the arrival of its newest family member, Light Rail Vehicle #201 – a Siemens S70 that will join 18 others in carrying Houstonians via METRORail. This is the first new rail car for the system in nearly nine years. The vehicle arrived at METRO’s Rail Operations Center where it will be tested before being placed into service. The unit is a welcome addition to a very busy fleet which this year has surpassed 90 million boardings. This train, and the 18 others to follow, will allow METRORail to carry more passengers. Its low floor enables passengers to board at street level, providing easier access for people of all abilities. The delivery is part of an $83 million contract awarded to Siemens Industry, Inc. for 19 new S70 light-rail vehicles along with spare parts, training and manuals. The first order, delivered in 2003, included 18 LRVs. The vehicles are being manufactured at Siemens’ rail vehicle manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif.

I have been trying to access METRO's Metrosolutions site, but it seems like someone might have forgotten to renew it. Anyone has any info on it? Did someone screw up? Did they abandon it? Did Niche make them cry and leave?

Over the past few months, I've noticed some construction at the Pierce Street entrance to the HOV, and further down along 45 south, but didn't think anything of it, but now I noticed there is some new booths and some covered signage as it is nearing completion. Anyone knows what's going on? I looked at METRO's website, but I haven't found anything.

Got this e-mail today. The New METRO set the bar last year by placing its check register online, earning a top rating from the Texas State Comptroller and this year, the agency raised it. The Comptroller renewed the agency’s Gold Leadership Circle Award, scoring 18 of 20 possible points (compared to 13 of 15 in 2010) on the Comptroller’s improved rating criteria. “We know we’re making progress towards the openness and transparency that will make us a trusted community partner, but it still means a lot when someone outside the Authority recognizes that fact,” said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. METRO was scored on what the Comptroller classifies as major and minor criteria such as: check register, financial transparency webpage, easy access to financial documents in three clicks or less and searchable check registers, among others. When the New METRO Board was sworn in a year-and-half ago, it recognized the importance of financial transparency in an effort to engage the community and build trust. METRO has since consolidated check registers, three years of budgets, three years of financial reports, bond disclosure documents, and instructions on filing an open records request onto a single webpage, click here. The agency also streams its board meetings, committee meetings and public hearings live on its website. The Gold Leadership Circle award is valid for a year at which point METRO can reapply for the distinction. When visiting the Comptroller’s website, you’ll find a gold insignia located next to METRO’s name, click here.