May 21, 2021
The METRONext transit referendum, passed in late 2019, includes several new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and light rail line extensions. METRO is prioritizing the Inner Katy BRT and the University BRT lines, as construction of those two lines will connect to the existing light rail lines and Uptown BRT to create a more complete network.
In March METRO held an initial 'virtual' public meeting for the Inner Katy BRT Line; METRO is labeling its BRT lines as 'METRORapid'. METRO is also expected to start public engagement for planning the University line very soon.
View the METRORapid Inner Katy Project web page.
To view a map go to this Project Overview file and scroll down.
The Inner Katy BRT will connect downtown Houston to the Northwest Transit Center (near NW corner of Loop 610) and travel along the I-10 corridor. This line would also be extended to the future high speed rail line terminal, if that project proceeds to construction. This will most likely be an elevated line along I-10, and the primary issues will be the exact location and number of station stops along the route, and what fuel source the buses will use. Currently the plan shows intermediate stops only at Studemont and Shepherd/Durham. Public feedback is requesting additional stops at Memorial Park and T.C. Jester.
The Houston Sierra Club has submitted initial comments for the Inner Katy project
(see below). Feel free to amplify any of those comments to METRO.
Members of the public can submit comments to the METRO planning team at:
Email InnerKaty@RideMETRO.org
Principal comments submitted to date by the Houston Sierra Club are:
1. Plan for and use 100% renewable energy electric buses:
Because of the concentration & frequency of bus traffic in BRT corridors, those buses should be as clean as possible regarding air emissions to protect public health, both for transit users and adjacent neighborhoods.
One of the significant benefits of the METRO's electrified light rail lines is that they reduced air pollution emissions in those corridors and neighborhoods. BRT routes should match these benefits.
Because of the concentration & frequency of bus traffic in BRT corridors, those buses should be as clean as possible regarding air emissions to protect public health, both for transit users and adjacent neighborhoods.
One of the significant benefits of the METRO's electrified light rail lines is that they reduced air pollution emissions in those corridors and neighborhoods. BRT routes should match these benefits.
METRO can also make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions and achieving regional Climate Action Plan goals by adopting 100% renewable energy electric buses. Electric buses would also contribute to noise level reductions, particularly in elevated transit way locations, where noise can carry to adjacent neighborhoods and park areas. Most major U.S. cities have already made commitments to transition to electric buses.
2. Add a Station to access Memorial Park:
The Inner Katy BRT should add a station to access Memorial Park near or to the west of Washington/Westcott. The most heavily used activity areas in Memorial Park, the ball fields, etc., are now in the northern part of the Park close to I-10. A pedestrian and bike bridge connecting Memorial Park to the north side of I-10 has been considered in this vicinity, and would provide a further connection for a BRT station.
The Inner Katy BRT should add a station to access Memorial Park near or to the west of Washington/Westcott. The most heavily used activity areas in Memorial Park, the ball fields, etc., are now in the northern part of the Park close to I-10. A pedestrian and bike bridge connecting Memorial Park to the north side of I-10 has been considered in this vicinity, and would provide a further connection for a BRT station.
Memorial Park is currently not well served by public transit. Improved transit access would be a great benefit to Memorial Park. Parking congestion has long been a problem, and auto congestion detracts from the Park experience.
A BRT station accessing Memorial Park would facilitate access for many users.
3. Importance of BRT Station design, scale, access and comfort:
The location, quality, and ease of access of the BRT stations along the Inner Katy Corridor will be extremely important for the success of this project. Stations and platforms should have the equivalent size and feel of existing METRORail stations.
The location, quality, and ease of access of the BRT stations along the Inner Katy Corridor will be extremely important for the success of this project. Stations and platforms should have the equivalent size and feel of existing METRORail stations.
Station platforms should be easily and safely accessible to all walkers, bicyclists, and the transit users transferring from local bus routes. Connections to local bus routes should avoid or minimize users having to interface with auto and truck traffic via pedestrian crossings, etc. As much as possible the transit user realm should be isolated from the auto vehicle realm.
Additionally, as much as possible, BRT users should be shielded from the fumes, particulate matter, and excessive noise generated by the traffic on I-10. Even if the majority of vehicles eventually become electric, there is the particulate matter from vehicle tires, etc. to consider. Elevated platforms will also be more exposed to intense weather events.
For questions or comments, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com