December 23, 2021
Houston METRO now has planning under way for two of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects. METRO calls its BRT projects METRORapid and that is how the projects are labeled at their website. METRO scheduled a first virtual "Open House" for the University Line METRORapid project on December 1, and those presentation materials are available online. The University Line will run from Westchase to points east, to Greenway Plaza, Montrose, Midtown, TSU, and the University of Houston; the line will then turn more to the north and continue to Eastwood, Greater Fifth Ward, LBJ Hospital, and the Tidwell Transit Center. The project has been divided into five segments for planning and study purposes. Comments can be submitted via the website until January 12.
Here is the link to the University Line project page for an overview, with links for Q&A and comments:
Below is a direct link to the project's Virtual "Open House" with options to fill out a survey and submit comments.
Comments can be submitted via the website until January 12.
Here are some suggested comments:
1. A primary concern is the fuel source that METRO will choose for the buses. METRO plans to explore hydrogen fueled buses, in addition to battery electric. Hydrogen is not readily available as a 'green' fuel source yet. It's important to stress that the fuel technology needs to be 100% renewable, carbon free, meaning 'green' hydrogen, not 'blue', or 'brown' hydrogen sourced from fossil fuels.
Here are some links that explain the 'colors' of hydrogen fuel:
2. Another concern is that BRT buses should have a dedicated bus lane to avoid delays from other auto traffic and congestion. Transit vehicles need to have a travel advantage over other vehicles in order for transit to be successful in reducing overall congestion. Transit vehicles shouldn't get stuck in general traffic.
3. METRO should also design for improved and safe pedestrian environments in the vicinity of the BRT stations. BRT station platforms should be comparable to the station platforms provided for the existing light rail lines in terms of scale and amenities.
There should be updates on the Inner Katy METRORapid project by January 2022. The METRO Board appears to favor adding a station at Memorial Park on this line, but nothing has been finalized yet. Below is the direct link to the Inner Katy BRT project page:
METRO is also working on its own Climate Action Plan. Target date for approving that is still January 2022.
Here is presentation material on the METRO Sustainability Vision Statement:
For questions or comments on this article, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com