July 27, 2022
Houston METRO continues the planning process 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 just completed a series of public meetings for the METRORapid University Corridor. The University Corridor runs 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. Presentation materials with conceptual illustrations and street layouts from the recent public meetings are posted at the project website. Included is a 3D animation video of certain segment areas. The actual alignment of the route and its various stops will be subject to change as the design is studied and finalized. Further public meetings will be scheduled as the design process advances.
Here is the link to the University Corridor project page; Click the button for Presentations and Video:
At the project page, one can still access the project's initial Virtual "Open House" with options to fill out a survey and submit comments.
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:
Also, the fuel source should NOT be 'clean natural gas' (CNG), which is a misnomer. Natural gas is not 'clean'. It is a fossil fuel with significant carbon emissions.
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 attracting riders and 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.
Below is the link for the Inner Katy METRORapid project webpage. This page includes various presentation materials and a 3D animation of the route. The presentations illustrate station concepts and the interfaces with adjacent streets and neighborhoods. As a result of initial public comments METRO has added a station at Memorial Park.
One can still ask questions and make comments on the Inner Katy project via the Public Comments button at the project page.
For questions or comments on this article, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com