Public comments on the draft METROnext Transit Plan were submitted by a number of groups and individuals at the September 27 METRO Board meeting (a 3 minute limit per comment). The principal comments of the Houston Sierra Club are posted below. METRO will be reviewing and revising the initial draft plan and is expected to release an updated plan in coming months, and will then schedule public engagement meetings. A ballot referendum is expected in November of 2019.

Below are the principal comments submitted by the Houston Sierra Club at the Sept. 27 Board Meeting:

"The Houston Sierra Club has long advocated that Houston build a comprehensive and effective transit network that offers citizens real transportation alternatives to the automobile.

For a city its size, Houston has lagged behind other major cities in building this transit infrastructure. The sooner that Houston can build out a well connected, integrated transit network, the sooner Houston can start realizing the full benefits. These benefits would include easing traffic congestion, particularly in core areas, development of more pedestrian friendly districts, an increased tax base in transit served areas, and improved air quality.

We endorse the proposal to go forward with a bigger, bolder transit plan based on the most optimistic financial projections.

We also believe it is essential that a University/Blue line with high capacity transit be included in
the final plan. This route would connect major employment, educational and business centers and has high projected ridership. It was proposed in previous Metro plans, and was supported by the voters. This route is a very necessary link to develop a connected transit network.

We strongly encourage METRO to plan for a transition to zero emission electric buses.
In order to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions, and also reduce urban air pollution, a growing number of U.S. cities have introduced electric buses, and some are already committing to go 100% electric. Los Angeles METRO voted to transition its entire bus fleet to zero emission electric vehicles by 2030. And the New York City MTA aims for an all electric bus fleet by 2040.

There would be significant environmental benefits if Houston METRO were to start replacing its diesel bus fleet with zero emission electric vehicles. There would be reduced particulate matter and other harmful diesel emissions, and noise reductions - all a benefit to neighborhoods, drivers, and passengers. Electric buses are initially more expensive, but more than recover that extra cost by reducing long term maintenance and fuel costs.

Houston already has a vast system of roadways and freeways. Many of these roadway projects have caused significant environmental impacts by invading remaining natural areas, negatively impacting city parks and neighborhoods, adding to polluted rain water run off, and noise and air quality problems. It is time to grow our transit infrastructure to meet the future needs of the region in a way that preserves our environment and quality of life."

Comments from LINK Houston:
Other comments of interest made were those of LINK Houston, a new non-profit transit advocacy group that focuses on equity issues. LINK Houston supports a robust, equitable, and multi-modal transportation network so that all people can reach opportunity in Houston. Here is a link to their METROnext Plan comments:
http://linkhouston.org/news-press-release/metronext-an-equity-examination/

RELATED ARTICLE OF NOTE:
Did Houston's Light Rail Reduce Traffic Pollution?:
https://kinder.rice.edu/2018/10/12/did-houstons-light-rail-reduce-traffic-pollution

For questions or comments contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com