White Announces Way Cleared For Fed Transit $

[RedScare]

Here's the article.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/s...ghtrail/3251475

Sully, you are right that the audit analyzed 2001 through 2004, though 2004 was the rail's first year. I'd like to see what this year is doing.

[GoAtomic]

We had fixed guideway bus service as a part of the Metro Solutions plan; there were about four or five "signature express" bus lines located on major routes such as Westheimer, Bellaire/Holcombe, and Gessner. The proposal was for these routes to have a very limited number of stops, with dedicated boarding platforms, and special buses to serve just these lines.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a question. I haven't been able to read all the responses to the original post so may have missed a prior response, but ...

I live off Gessner North of I-10. It appears from the statement above and the Metro maps that Gessner will have 'Signature Bus/Suburban BRT' service in the future.

My question - does this mean rails will be built with the road (for future use) and that there will be transit stations added on Gessner? Or is this simply an over-hyped name for some new kind of bus line with fewer stops?

All responses are welcome - this could make a difference between me staying in that area ... or not!

[kjb434]

I really haven't look into that area. My only problem is if the rails are in the center. Gessners is a busy street to get to the line in the middle.

I'm thinking it'll just be a signature service.

[RedScare]

Metro has a map showing all of the routes/lines involved in this new plan. The North Side/East Side/Galleria lines are all described as BRT. The Gessner line is described as Signature Bus Service. The Signature is an express route with limited stops. I don't think it is a fixed guideway.

[YakuzaIce]

Just wondering is the same BRT vehicle being used for the lines that are dedicated and will be LRT in the future as the signature/suburban BRTs?

[ssullivan]

Gessner will not have rails. The rails are only going on the three lines that were originally approved as light rail that are getting BRT as an interim service. Those are the Northline, Harrisburg, and Southeast/Universities corridors. Gessner was always just suburban Signature Express bus service, which will be like the other BRT service but without a fixed guideway.

[kjb434]

Liveable Houston Metro Plan Analysis

The above link is to an article from a pro rail and urban density group that essentially agrees that Metro adjusted plan is much better than the original and makes a very good case about the BRT by dispelling many of the myths.

Have fun.

[The Great Hizzy!]

Thanks for the link.

[YakuzaIce]

Yeah thanks, I am reading it right now. Scanning over his other columns I figure I will probably end up reading alot of them. I am surprised I haven't heard of this site.

[skwatra]

that's the most positive thing i've read about rail in houston in a long time.

[Talbot]

Really good article kjb, thanks for posting it.

[kjb434]

Feel much better about the BRT lines now.