November 23, 2019
The METRONext transit plan referendum passed on Nov. 5 with an impressive 68% of the vote. Now the question will be - which elements of the plan will become the initial priorities for implementation?
Of the major METRONext projects, one declared priority will be the proposed Bus Rapid Transit line (BRT) that will connect downtown to the Northwest Transit Center and the proposed high speed rail terminal. This line would also connect to the Uptown BRT at the Northwest Transit Center. The Uptown BRT is currently under construction and expected to offer initial service sometime in mid 2020.
Another likely priority of the major projects will be the University Corridor BRT line which would run from the Westchase area to Midtown in central Houston, then to the University of Houston and north along Lockwood Dr. to Tidwell Rd. This long route would likely be constructed in phases.
Link to METRONext plan by service:
Both of these new BRT projects will require further planning, detailed studies, and public engagement & input.
Houston Sierra will be advocating that METRO plan for a transition to zero emission electric buses for these new BRT lines - due to the greatly increased bus traffic these lines will require. There would be significant environmental benefits from replacing diesel buses 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.
A transition to zero emission buses is also essential to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. A growing number of U.S. cities have introduced electric buses, and some have committed to go 100% electric in the effort to address climate change, including Los Angeles and New York City.
Since the Downtown to Northwest TC BRT would interface with the proposed Houston high speed rail terminal, here are some Texas high speed rail updates:
For questions or comments, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com