In August, METRO issued a press release announcing the adoption of the Authority's first Sustainability Vision Statement.

 

METRO has set a timeline to be purchasing only 100% zero-emission buses by the target date of 2030. Between now and then METRO will be incrementally transitioning to 100% zero-emission buses, but may also continue to purchase some non zero-emission buses as needed (this means some CNG, hybrid diesel, etc.).  Houston METRO has now joined the many other major U.S. urban transit agencies that have committed to transition to zero-emission bus technologies.

 METRO does not currently own any electric buses, but has initiated the process to purchase 20 full size electric buses and 10 paratransit vans.  METRO will be trying some different zero-emission bus technologies for a time to test them and decide on the best long term choices. They have mentioned battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, etc. METRO also has to develop the necessary support infrastructure for the new technologies.

The rate of transition to 100% zero-emission buses will depend on the actual technology choices, available funding streams, etc. So the target date of 2030 is a goal and contingent on various factors. There does seem to be interest on the Board to accelerate the transition timeline if feasible. 

 

The Vision Statement also states that "METRO will apply green principles to the design and management of its facilities."  And that "METRO will foster sustainable use of natural resources by promoting energy management, recycling, reusing, and re-purposing of materials, and waste reduction management opportunities." 

 

METRO is working on its own agency-wide Climate Action Plan. The target date for approving that is January 2022. 

 

Here is presentation material on the METRO Sustainability Vision Statement:

 

METRO is proceeding with the planning process for the University Corridor & Inner Katy METRORapid projects (Bus Rapid Transit). There should be some public engagement meetings on the University Corridor project in the near future. METRO now has a web page up for each project.

 

University Corridor METRORapid: 

Initial project information is available, including route segments; plus instructions on how to submit any comments.

 

Inner Katy METRORapid: 

 

The BOOST bus route improvements will include improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and accessibility; also improved bus shelters with digital real time bus arrival information at most stops. Service will be improved with streamlined stops and traffic signal improvements at key intersections to improve bus speed and reliability. The planning and implementation for these improvements has begun for the following routes: 54 Scott, 56 Airline Montrose, and 82 Westheimer:
METRO Bus Route Improvements | 54 Scott | 56 Airline Montrose | Houston, TX (ridemetro.org)