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M E T R O
HIGHLIGHTS
M E T R O P O L I TA N T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
O F H A R R I S C O U N T Y, T E X A S
7 13.6 35.4000 | RIDEME TRO.ORG
METRO Wants Your Input METRO is serious about wanting to know what you think. — visit METRONext.org.
METRO VISION
Through collaborative relations and innovative approaches, METRO
will be an industry leader in delivering timely, efficient and accessible
service that is transformative by providing multi-modal interactions for
communities to connect to everyday work and life opportunities.
METRO MISSION
METRO’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, accessible and
friendly public transportation services to our region.
September 2018 Edition
ABOUT METRO LOCAL BUS SERVICE PARK & RIDE AND HOV/HOT LANES
More than 80 regular local bus routes in the
27 Park & Ride facilities allow suburban commuters
Find out who we are, what we do, how we are METRO service area, as well as bus service tailored
to enjoy express service to employment centers on
funded, and our plans for the future of to specific communities, make it easy to get
High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.
Houston-area transportation. (Pages 5-17) around town or connect with other METRO
(Pages 28-31)
transportation services. (Pages 18-27)
METRO
SERVICES METRORAIL METRO STAR VANPOOL ACCESSIBILITY & METROLIFT
AT A GLANCE
Three light-rail lines provide a fun and convenient Vanpools of five to 15 riders safely and comfortably All METRO vehicles are 100 percent accessible. For
way to visit many of Houston’s major attractions, transport members to and from workplaces disabled riders who cannot access regular service
workplaces, medical facilities, and universities. in an eight-county area. stops or vehicles, METROLift provides
(Pages 32-35) (Pages 36-37) curb-to-curb service. (Pages 38-41)
SAFETY, SECURITY & DISASTER RESPONSE MAJOR EVENTS WHAT’S NEXT
METRO’s police patrol the service area,
The future is coming! With the help of all
partner with TranStar to coordinate day-to-day METRO is essential in helping Houston host major
stakeholders, METRO explores innovative
incident and accident management, and help events, making bigger and safer attendance
solutions for a new regional transit plan.
manage regional emergency response. possible. (Pages 50-51)
(Pages 52-56)
(Pages 42-49)
LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
It’s funny how often people ask me what, exactly, METRO does.
Sometimes they are genuinely bewildered. Sometimes they are
expressing skepticism about the willingness of Houston to embrace
mass transit.
I’m actually glad when this happens because it gives me a chance to tell
people a story that many of them do not know; a story about the extent
to which the Houston region has expanded, improved, innovated and
completely redesigned its mass transit system. In fact, METRO has made
such dramatic and successful improvements over the last few years that
28 other cities, from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, have sent
their transit designers here to see what they can learn from us.
Once viewed as simply a necessary municipal service, mass transit
is now considered an essential amenity without which no major
city can compete or prosper. It’s a subject of global study and the
confluence of the most cutting-edge developments in science,
technology, engineering, sustainability, and energy. And as we learned
during Hurricane Harvey, METRO is also critical to the first-response
network with vehicles, drivers, police, and call centers capable of rapid
deployment during an emergency.
Mass transit connects employees to jobs, students to education, families
to health care, residents to museums and theaters, and sports fans to
stadiums. If you’re a business on a bus or rail line, mass transit literally
brings customers to your door. Stated simply, mass transit connects
people, businesses, and cities to their futures. It’s been clear for a long
time that every dollar spent on mass transit is a dollar wisely invested.
Houston-area growth is a gift, but it’s a gift we cannot take for granted.
It requires that the region be responsive to the changing needs and
preferences of the people who live and work here.
METRO has been listening and learning, developing a new regional
transit plan to build on past successes and keep people and traffic
moving. It’s called METRONext, and I invite you to read about it in these
pages. Also read about “The Reimagining” of our area bus system, the
Heroes of Harvey and, while we have your attention, take a look at our
awards and financials. We think you’ll be impressed.
What does METRO do? It keeps people moving further, faster, and more
efficiently every single day.
Sincerely,
CAR R IN F. PATM AN
Chair, Metropolitan Transit Authority
of Harris County, Texas
5
LETTER FROM OUR CEO
From bus operators to accountants, METRO employees work every day
to create a public transportation system worthy of our community. We
take pride in driving our neighbors to doctor’s appointments, students to
school and our diverse workforce to jobs throughout the region. We are
customer-focused and community-driven.
In the past year, METRO employees accomplished some truly remarkable
milestones. We carried a record-breaking number of people to Super
Bowl LI events, working around the clock to ensure customers from home
and from around the world were delivered safely to their destinations. We
also broke ridership records transporting fans to the Astros’ World Series
victory parade. When a national spotlight shined on the Houston region,
METRO demonstrated what a great regional transportation system is
capable of doing.
And when disaster struck during Hurricane Harvey, METRO moved into
action, providing lifesaving and essential services to a stunned region.
We harnessed the knowledge and best practices of how to keep a region
moving, and leveraged our fleet to move people out of harm’s way.
The “Houston Strong” catchphrase only scratched the surface — our
employees showed what true community service looks like.
We aren’t done yet. We’re looking at every aspect of the customer
experience, your experience, to make public transit even better.
METRO is investing in infrastructure like bus shelters and sidewalks
to improve not only our customers’ experience, but to improve the
communities where we operate.
We’re enhancing safety features by using the latest Bluetooth technology
to launch a pilot program to alert pedestrians of a METRORail train
entering an intersection.
We continue to look outside the world of public transit to partner with our
local universities and area transportation partners to design service that
meets the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s riders.
Every day METRO employees go to work for you. Thank you for giving us
the opportunity to pursue our passion for public service.
Sincerely,
TH OM AS C. L AM B E RT
President & CEO, Metropolitan Transit Authority
of Harris County, Texas
6 CHAPTER ?: Chapter Title 7
METRO METRO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
CARRIN F. PATMAN
(City of Houston)
Chair
JIM ROBINSON CINDY SIEGEL TROI TAYLOR
(Harris County) (Multi-Cities) (City of Houston)
First Vice-Chair Second Vice-Chair Secretary
TOP ROW: Sofia Simien, Jerome Gray, John Garcia, Thomas J. Jasien, Cydonii Fairfax,
Roberto Treviño, Arthur C. Smiley III, Kimberly Williams, Alva I. Treviño
BOTTOM ROW: Rosa Diaz, Thomas C. Lambert, Debbie Sechler, Timothy H. Kelly
THOMAS C. LAMBERT TIMOTHY H. KELLY
President & Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President, Operations,
Public Safety & Customer Service
THOMAS J. JASIEN
DON ELDER JR. LEX FRIEDEN LISA GONZALES Deputy CEO DEBBIE SECHLER
(Multi-Cities) (City of Houston) CASTAÑEDA Executive Vice President, Administration
(Harris County) ROSA DIAZ
Director, Board Support ARTHUR C. SMILEY III
Chief Financial Officer
CYDONII FAIRFAX
Executive Vice President & ALVA I. TREVIÑO
General Counsel Executive Vice President, Special Projects
JOHN GARCIA ROBERTO TREVIÑO
Interim Vice President & Chief Auditor Executive Vice President, Planning,
Engineering & Construction
JEROME GRAY
TERRY MORALES SANJAY RAMABHADRAN (RAM) Executive Vice President & KIMBERLY WILLIAMS
(City of Houston) (City of Houston) Chief Communications Officer Chief Innovation Officer
E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E S TA F F
METRO’s board includes five members appointed by the City of Houston, SOFIA SIMIEN
two appointed by Harris County, and two appointed by the smaller cities Executive Assistant to the President
(known as Multi-Cities) in the METRO service area.
NICOLE STUTTZ*
Project Manager for the Executive Office
8 *Not pictured
9
ABOUT Nearly one-third of downtown’s employees
METRO rely on METRO to get to work every day.
AT METRO, WE MOVE PEOPLE
Public transportation is the backbone of our
region — moving people to jobs, health care,
education, recreation, and all of the opportunities
our region offers.
You know METRO for our buses and light rail,
but we are so much more. We are an extensive
transit network combining different types of
service tailored to varying needs. 38.7 percent of METRORail riders are taking
it to or from work.
We serve the region’s major employment
centers and our neighborhoods, and we are
a vital partner in welcoming visitors, promoting
safety, and helping with natural disasters.
In 2017, METRO provided about
113 MILLION rides!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT METRO
“METRO’s dynamic transit system is essential “METRO has an excellent transit system. It
to Houston’s ability to get the job done. provides safe, efficient, reliable, cost-effective
Moving Houstonians to and from work, service to stakeholders in and around
no matter where they are in the region, is Houston and the 14 municipalities in the
essential to the upward mobility of our people service area.”
and ultimately, Houston’s success as a great
global city.” State of Texas Quadrennial Performance Audit
performed by Milligan & Company, Fiscal Years
Bob Harvey, President and CEO, 2012–2015
Greater Houston Partnership (GHP)
10 11
PUBLIC TRANSIT IS A SOUND INVESTMENT: THE CASE IS MADE THE GEOGRAPHY
METRO has proven itself — not only as an Our service area covers more than 1,303
award-winning transit agency, but also as an square miles.
economic multiplier for the entire region.
• Every $1 invested in public
transportation generates
approximately $4 in economic
returns.
• Every $1 billion invested in public
transportation supports and According to the American Public
creates more than 50,000 jobs. Transportation Association, 87 percent of
• Every $10 million in capital public transit trips impact the economy.
investment in public
transportation yields $32 million Transit also enhances property values. A
in increased business sales. Harris County Appraisal District three-year
comparative study of property values within a
• Using public transportation one-mile radius of METRO rail lines reflected a
can save you as much as THE FORECAST THE PLAN
31 percent increase in value, from $58 billion to
$10,000 a year. $76.3 billion.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
By 2040, the number of jobs in the Houston-
Thus, high-capacity transit — bus rapid transit, Galveston Area Council eight-county region
enhanced HOV lanes, various types of rail where will increase to 4.47 million, a 63 percent
appropriate, and all other feasible options for increase since 2010.
moving large numbers of people – is a sensible,
Transit accessibility is one of the most comparatively cost-effective, and in fact, critical Expanding our affordable, fast, and efficient
influential factors when choosing a part of our region’s future. transit system is key to continued economic
neighborhood, according to the National success.
Association of Realtors.
METRO is working on a new regional
transit plan to keep the Houston
113 MILLION RIDES IN 2017 AND COUNTING area moving. That plan is called
METRONext, designed to build upon the
successes of the 2003 METRO Solutions
Referendum.
BUS 58.2 MILLION
The plan will reflect what all studies
RAIL 18.4 MILLION and surveys have shown:
Houston-area residents,
PARK & RIDE 7.7 MILLION
whether they live in the urban
PARATRANSIT 1.9 MILLION How do we know? This handy pair of eyes is an core, a city neighborhood,
Automatic Passenger Counter (A.P.C.), which is or a suburb, want fast,
located above the doorways of METRO buses and efficient, affordable mass
VANPOOL 2 MILLION rail. This technology allows us to count the number
of passengers who ride with us. Humans conduct transportation.
HOV/HOT 25.4 MILLION manual samples a minimum of 50 times per year
to ensure counts are accurate.
12 13
ABOUT
METRO WE ARE AN AWARD-WINNING TRANSIT SYSTEM
CREATION, FUNDING, AND
GOVERNANCE
In 1973, the Texas State Legislature authorized METRO has a nine-member board of directors
localities to create separate transit comprised of five members appointed by the City
authorities. In 1978, Houston-area voters of Houston, two appointed by Harris County, and
created METRO, approving a one-cent sales two appointed by the smaller cities (called the
tax for its funding. METRO opened for business “Multi-Cities”), which include:
in 1979. In 2015, METRO was named Transit selected METRO as the 2017 Outstanding
Agency of the Year by the American Public Metropolitan Transit System and in 2018, the
In the years since, METRO has built an award- Transportation Association (APTA), an U.S. Department of Transportation selected
winning, state-of-the-art transit system • Bellaire • Missouri City international organization that has been METRO as the Region Six Transit System of the
serving 1,303 square miles — including the City • Bunker Hill • Piney Point representing the transit industry for more than Year. METRO also received the 2018 APTA Bus
of Houston, much of unincorporated Harris Village Village 100 years. The Texas Transit Association (TTA) Safety & Security award.
County, and fourteen smaller cities — and using
multiple types of transit that work together to • El Lago • Southside Place
take people where they need to go. • Hedwig Village • Spring Valley
Village METRO MAKES EVERY TAXPAYER PENNY GO A LONG WAY
METRO’s current budget is funded primarily • Hilshire Village
by sales tax revenue, with lesser amounts • Taylor Lake
• Humble
funded by fare box revenues and grants. One- Village METRO’s one-cent sales tax A 25 percent rebate goes to the city
fourth of METRO’s sales tax revenue is rebated • Hunters Creek funding has made us a formidable of Houston, Harris County, and the
• West University
to the City of Houston, Harris County, and the 14 Village people-moving machine. But Multi-Cities for their own mobility-
Place
smaller cities for their own discretionary mobility • Katy transportation isn’t just about buses related projects. This rebate, known
projects like roads and traffic signals. and trains. It’s also about infrastructure that as the General Mobility Program (GMP), so far
promotes safe and reliable access. has rebated more than $3.2 billion in funds for
bridges, sidewalks, bike trails, and drainage, in
addition to roads and traffic signals.
METRO GROWS UP AND KEEPS GROWING —
3.5 BILLION RIDES IN THE PAST 40 YEARS
GMP projects
like sidewalks
and signals make
access easier and
safer by keeping
pedestrians and
waiting passengers
safely separated
from traffic.
14 15HOW METRO IS FUNDED
METRO IS A FINANCIALLY
FY2019 Budget FY2019 Sources of Revenue PRUDENT AND TRANSPARENT
STEWARD OF TAXPAYER
FUNDS
$1,196.4 $1,363.8
(in millions) (in millions) Our FY2019 budget of approximately $1 billion Comptroller’s office (which has included METRO
is comprised of the following categories: in its Leadership Circle), the Texas Public Interest
$626.2 million in operating expenses; $286.0 Research Group (which gave METRO an “A”
million in capital expenditures; $180.0 million grade for spending transparency), and Milligan
to the city of Houston, Harris County and the & Company (which found in its three-year
smaller cities for their specific mobility needs; performance audit that METRO is an excellent
Operating $626.2 Sales Tax Fund $754.7 and $104.2 million in debt service. transit system).
Debt Service $104.2 Balance $256.9 We use conservative assumptions in our Rating agencies concur, giving METRO bond
Capital $286.0 Other $17.5 budgeting and maintain prudent reserves. ratings of AA+ (Standard and Poor’s) and Aa2
GMP Transfer $180.0 Borrowing $97.7 (Moody’s), and categorizing METRO’s ratings
Farebox $67.5 METRO’s sound financial management as “stable.” After Hurricane Harvey, Moody’s
Grants $169.5 and transparency have been recognized observed: “The transit authority’s ability to
repeatedly, including by the Government quickly resume service and assist with recovery
Finance Officers Association (which has efforts highlights its strong operational practices.”
given METRO a Certificate of Achievement for
FINANCIALS, CHECKBOOK, AND ALL BOARD MEETINGS Excellence in Financial Reporting), the Texas
ARE POSTED ONLINE
YOU’RE INVITED TO ATTEND
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Government Finance Texas Comptroller Texas Public Interest
Officers Association Leadership Circle Research Group
WHEN: Typically the fourth Thursday of each
month at 10 a.m.
METRO recognized for METRO recognized for METRO receives “A” for
WHERE: The Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Excellence in Financial sound financial practices, spending transparency
Building at 1900 Main on the 2nd floor
Reporting openness, and transparency
RSVP: If you cannot join us in person, please
attend by streaming video from our
website RideMETRO.org
MORE INFO: Online, visit RideMETRO.org, see
Board Meetings & Notices or call
713.739.4834. Working committee
meetings are also posted online
and open to the public.
Moody’s Standard & Poor’s Texas Comptroller Transparency Star
Aa2 rating AA+ rating METRO receives honors for transparency in
traditional finances and debt obligations
16 17METRO METRO is bike-friendly —
load your bike onto a bus
SERVICE bike rack, on a rail car, or into
a Park & Ride bus baggage
LOCAL BUS NETWORK compartment.
METRO’s bus service is the heart of our As a result, local bus ridership has increased,
system, with 114 fixed routes, 8,964 stops, 2,143 defying national trends. 28 cities in the United
shelters, 21 Transit Centers (sheltered waiting States and abroad are now reimagining their
areas where multiple bus and/or rail routes own bus systems using METRO’s process as a
converge), and 58.2 million rides in 2017. model.
In 2015, METRO “reimagined” its entire METRO also uses smaller vehicles and
fixed–route network from scratch to ensure customized service tailored to specific
that it was providing optimal service in light of communities or route needs. For example,
changes in population, job centers, and other METRO provides Community Connector service
factors, and meeting current riders’ needs. The in certain neighborhoods with unique transit
redesign increased the number of routes offering needs and Quickline Signature Service that
frequent service (a bus coming every 15 minutes offers expedited bus service to the Texas Medical
or better), provided weekend service on all local Center along the popular 2 Bellaire route. METRO
routes, connected bus routes with new rail lines, also operates the free Greenlink circulator buses
and adopted a more efficient grid-based system. that move people among 18 downtown stops.
Our local bus service provided
58.2 million rides in 2017. We have 22 high-frequency routes
with buses that come every 15
minutes or less, seven (7) days a
week, that form a grid across the
busiest parts of the city.
18 19METRO’s “reimagining” process
was so successful it now serves METRO’S LOCAL BUS NETWORK
as a model for 28 other cities in
the U.S. and as far away as New
Zealand. Non-Metro Service
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N KIRKWOOD R D
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161
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BURNETT 10
162 160 City 26 DR Casa MARKET
To Kingsland P&R:
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221, 228, 229, 298 GRISBY RD 67 71 Amigos 48 FIFTH WARD/
33 39 47 49 58 ST 52 79
MC CARTY ST
CROCKETT
MERCURY DR
71
LATHROP ST
To Grand Parkway P&R: 85 Clinic
137
DENVER HARBOR To Baytown P&R:
222, 229 Energy 70 72 84 85 160 30 44 6 11 28 48 236
VOSS RD
Corridor 161 162 P&R 48
75 161 46 WASHINGTON 66 77 78
WE
PINEY POINT RD
AVE 85
162 70 49 30
STCOTT ST
40 56 UH-DOWNTOWN 30 80 137 48 Non-Metro Service
MEMORIAL DR 162 20
Buffalo Bayou
Harris County Transit provides local service in
70 Park 29 28 Baytown that connects to the METRO
162
DR
20 Baytown Park & Ride at San Jacinto Mall.
ENC
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153 75 153 153
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84
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32 82 EASTWOOD
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49 20 33 40 KINNE HOWARD HUGHES
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W ALABAMA ST 54 MC LEELAND/ POL
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63 THIRD WARD
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82 To Downtown, Greenway St. Thomas N ST 50
161 RICHMOND AVE
67 WESTHEIMER RD 20 Kuykendahl: 283 Plaza
25 ELG 40 MAGNOLIA PARK
82 32 84 9 151 11 IN 50
47 H I D ALGO ST RICHMOND AVE
£
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¤ 9 20 28 38 50
E DR
25 59 152 153 WHEELER LAW
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82 25 151 5 25 65 AL THIRD WARD 76
46 AB 29 ST
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25 W EASTWOOD
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25 152 153 ELER 4 9 25
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82 25 25 E 4 25 80
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DISTRICT
TSU/UH 28 MAN CHESTER ST
75 GESSNER D SO Texas Southern 80 P&R
N CR E ST DR
ATHLETICS DISTRICT 76
ST
63
SPEEDWAY
E BLV 5 UT
TEL
University EY
BUFFALO
151 University
ICH
T RAL ST
75 HERMANN H
25 67
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Rice 56
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BROADWAY ST
153 151 ET Park UNIVERSITY OAKS E RE
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152 153 GULFTON ST UNIVERSITY BLVD 54 29
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CHIMNEY
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151 9 SOUTHEAST 28
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Houston-area METRO riders awoke to discover
TMC 40
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152 9 10 GS
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RICHEY ST
402 2 402 41 5 87 50
GEN
§¨¦
RD
32 2 33 49 Hospital
NEWCASTLE ST
FANN
75 BELLAIRE BLVD 2 D ISH TR 360 60 54 29 610
PA SADE
65 402
OA
SPAN
ROCK RD
2 47 SWOOD BLV
S RICE AVE
28 OLD
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SMITH
D
IN ST
DAIRY ASHFORD
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63
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LANDS
JR BLV
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RENWICK DR
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A
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WINKL EMAN RD
NA
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Houston
SYNOTT RD
§¨¦ 360
MLK
Park 4 PL
S WAYSIDE DR
that they had a whole new, improved, customer-
TT ST
T
Baptist STO
ADDICKS CLODI NE R
KIRBY DR
610 76
BL
S
SHAVER ST
49 NE BLV 87 RK
WE
University
VD
GE
68 D LONG DR 5 PA
4
SCO
BEECH NUT ST
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60 60 87
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BEECHNUT ST ASTRODOME DR
4 7 49 68 P&R DIXIE W
76 5
4 SPICE ST NRG 80 76 50 HO QUEENS RD
No evening or 46 ET Park
152 NN 47
S COURSE DR
CRESTMONT ST
weekend service
CULLEN BLVD
to El Franco Lee SO 68 FANNIN SOUTH 360
ST
RD
32
RD
BIS
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65 Clinic. 65 8 11 73 87 76
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focused bus network.
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73
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68 ES D
JUTL
161 WO 8 ST
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WESTWOOD LMES
HO 40 P&R
N RD
HO
152 P&R 10 14 11 87 29 40 VISTA RD
10 WILLOWBEND BLVD 54 80 87 AVE
BELKNAP RD
To Downtown:
UST
S GESSNER RD
CREEKBEND DR 88 E
")
KEEGA
262, 265, 269
O
LLEG
FONDREN RD
288
HILLCROFT ST
N
To TMC: 292 8 Star of REED RD
CO
BL
Hope
87
VD
HOBBY To Downtown:
FELDMAN RD 87 FAIRMONT PKWY
Non-Metro Service 40 50 88 244, 246, 247, 249
MLK JR BLVD
Fort Bend County Express operates Park & Ride HOBBY
ROSEHAVEN DR
Some trips via Eastwood TC
BLVD 73 88
AL
service to the Texas Medical Center, Greenway
HANSEN RD
AIRPORT To TMC: 297
TELEPHONE RD
W BELLFORT ST DR ORT
LEN
Plaza and Uptown/Galleria with a connection T
at West Belfort Park & Ride for Downtown 8 O
W IN S AIRP
service. MA BROOK DR
GEN
ILL
W GE
63 47 7 49 14 11 ED
OA
Weekend ridership spiked immediately and
MONROE RD
WEST BELLFORT 46 SCRANTON ST
RD
8 161 P&R 7 54 SOUTH ACRES DR
AIRPORT BLVD 87
W AIRPORT DR RPORT BLV D HCC 80 CRENSHAW RD
W OOD DR
MYKAW
W AI
TRANSIT SYSTEM MAP
ALLUM RD ST
BUFFALO SPEED W
FONDREN RD
7 To TMC:170 R
W AIRPO RT BLVD SELINSKY RD
AVE
MARTINDALE RD
Effective August 26, 2018 47
A RD
54
RD
SH
S T OAK RD
80 S
AR
EDA
29 29
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RD RD
Houston was one of only four major cities in 2016
EM
ALM
Local Routes BL VD Light Rail Facilities A E OREM OR ALMEDA GENOA
90
PIRT LE US DR 88 RD
Weekday Midday Headway
J ESS CORPORATED R ALMEDA GENOA
SCOTT ST
S PO
CRA
AY
Red Line TRANSIT CENTER W OREM DR
TRANSIT SYSTEM MAP
(See Table for Peak, Evening, & Weekend Headways)
CULLEN BLVD
VE 14
WHITE HEATH ER DR
N
HIRAM CLAR KE RD
CASH RD S AL MEDA GENOA RD
S SH 6
Purple Line
0 10, 12, or 15 minute headway Effective
CLUB BLVD
August 26, PARK 2018 & RIDE RD
MISSOURI CITY 49 11 MLK
SOUTH POINT
P&R
Nonstop segment HIRAM CLARKE
D RD
COTTINGHAM RD
0 Y Health
US 90A Green Line 63 98 P&R Center ALLISON RD
MAIN ST
TR 11 14 54 98
Local Routes 0 End of line UN RAIL STATION &
OR
Light Rail O Facilities
C TRANSIT CENTER FUQUA ST
to see an increase in ridership.
STAFF
Weekday Midday 0 Headway 30 minute headway 340 ALMEDA GENOA RD 54 FUQUA ST
S WAYSIDE DR
T RD
(See Table for Peak, Evening, & Weekend Headways) Red Line TRANSIT CENTER 54 FUQUA
Bicycle Parking
DULLES AVE
Nonstop segmentS Park & Ride
SA
0 P&R
IN
FUQUA ST
ALMEDA SCHOOL RD
UG Available ST
BO
Purple Line UA
O
FURMAN RD
0 10,
0 12, or 15 End of line headway
minute AR PARK & RIDE 98
BROOKS ST
SP
Park & Ride Corridor
RD
§¨¦
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Q
G
Nonstop segment ES Vehicle Parking E ANDERSON RD 45
N
0
FU
ANDERSON RD
End of line 60 minute headway P&R Green Line
KI
0 Park & Ride RouteRAIL STATION &Available
W
B LVD
DR
0 98 To El Dorado P&R,
0
30
Nonstop segment
SUGAR C REEK
TRANSIT CENTER ")8 88
BE
248, 249
To Bay Area P&R and
0 0 minute headway
End of line AM Space Center Houston:
VD
Bicycle Parking 246, 249
Nonstop segment Park & Ride W AC ER
BL
0
VD
BL
Available RI KH RD
AE 0
of line Peak only service £
VD
L EX INGTON BLVD 98 DG
¤
BL
90 End
U NIVERSI TY
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BL
US 59 Park & Ride Corridor
LE
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DA
BL
W
SH EPENDE N
RD
FM 1092
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60 minute headway
IL L
0 6 P&R Park & Ride Route Available ND ES
A
BLUE RIDGE RD
HUGH
RD
End of line
IAMS TRACE
CHIMNEY RO
0
SC
I
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0 URT RD
R KE
0 4 CO Southeast Hospital
2
METRO’s reimagining process now serves
B L VD COURT RD
CLA
0 ITORYEnd of line 49
VD
TEXAS PKWY
RR
TE
AM
BL
NE0W Peak only service
San Jacinto
CU L LEN
HIR
LERS WAY
88 College - South
BLVD
Nonstop segment AU
0 ST I
NP
K
521
0 End of line MC HARD RD
PKWY
SETT
W
0 4 FM 2234
Y
2
FM
To Missouri City / SH 6 P&R:170
as a model for 28 other cities including Los
Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand, as they
work to update their aging transit systems. Chalk
it up to the power of reimagination. FARES FOR LOCAL BUS
• First top to bottom revision of
METRO President & CEO Thomas Lambert with local bus rider.
“The best way to find out what your customers want is to ask the bus system since 1978
them.”
• Enhanced 7-day a week
service on all local routes
Beginning in 2014, METRO redesigned our
entire local bus network from top to bottom, • More high-frequency
reevaluating every individual route, and bus routes
redrawing the whole system to take into account
changes in population, job centers and other • Integrated local bus service
factors. with new rail lines for better
The New Bus Network was instituted literally connectivity For details about fare purchases, discounts, rider tools, schedules, and maps, please * With appropriate METRO fare cards
visit us online at RideMETRO.org or in person at the METRO RideStore, 1900 Main.
overnight. One morning in August 2015,
20 21METRO METRO
SERVICE SERVICE
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR: QUICKLINE SIGNATURE
A WORKING MODEL Another tailored bus service is the Quickline
Signature Service, which provides express
service with limited stops along the
METRO’s Community Connector provides METRO’s Community Connector has its own
2 Bellaire route. The Quickline is a frequent
curb-to-curb service in zones where missing dedicated dispatch team and drivers, so there
service route with buses every fifteen
sidewalks, narrow streets, and roadside ditches is a very real sense of community. The program
minutes or less.
make it difficult for residents to access regular has seen a steady increase in ridership and is
bus service. Residents inside the zone can call a possible model for other neighborhoods with
for a ride up to an hour ahead or schedule a limited access to regular service.
ride. The cost is the same as regular bus service.
METRO also uses smaller vehicles
and customized service tailored to
specific needs.
Hub Transit Center
Zone Park & Ride
22 23METRO
SERVICE SPEAKING OF GREEN
GREENLINK DOWNTOWN
SHUTTLE
The Greenlink makes 18 stops downtown,
putting you within steps of more than 40 METRO
popular destinations. Downtown Houston is a helps reduce
great place to work and play. Day or night, seven greenhouse
days a week, use the Greenlink to sightsee or gases by 700
just catch a ride back to your office after running million pounds
an errand. The fare? It’s FREE. Greenlink is a each year.*
partnership between the Downtown District
and Houston First, and is operated by METRO.
The bus fleet runs on Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG), making it a cleaner transportation
alternative.
METRO’s 50
Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG)
buses are currently
the least costly
to operate due
to reduced
fuel costs.
METRO’s modern fleet
features more than 400
clean-running, diesel-
electric hybrid buses.
*Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) transit benefits calculator
24 25METRO
METRO Changes
SERVICE Lives Meet Zack, one of our “My
METRO Life Changers — Leang
“My real dream is to go from the
METRO” video stars. Zack’s mom
works, so every day, Zack rode and Frank “Human lives — we should
TITLE
Thunder Soul to the Ocean of Soul
METRO’s #52 bus to Kashmere
High School where he was the
drum major for the Thunder Soul
be grateful for our lives and
at TSU. And METRO’s going to take helping each other.”
Marching Band. He was a star there,
me there.” too, known for his commitment
and high energy. His real dream? Meet Leang “Terry” Ear, METRORail
To attend TSU and be part of traction power technician and part-time
the Ocean of Soul. Zack’s hard superhero. Born in Cambodia, Ear joined
work did not go unnoticed. At the METRO in early 2017 and has a degree
homecoming game during his in electronics from DeVry University in
senior year, TSU presented him with Pomona, California. He and his family fled
a scholarship! Sometimes dreams the Pol Pot regime when he was seven.
are just a bus ride away. That early experience with determination
and grit stood him in good stead on the
Monday before Thanksgiving. At five feet,
seven inches and 150 pounds, it was sheer
determination that enabled Leang to pull
two barely conscious adults, both heavier
than he, out of a burning car that had
crashed into a pole.
“The Veteran’s Pass was
a lifesaver for me and it’s
something I offer every
veteran who comes through
the door.” “You just keep moving
forward to help people.
April Moreland is a Certified Peer Support You don’t look back.”
Specialist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical
Center where she helps fellow veterans transition
back into civilian life. The Air Force veteran was Meet METRO street supervisor, Frank
once on the street herself. One of the many items Gonzales. After 28 years with METRO,
of assistance the VA provided to Moreland was a he knows how to step up. During
Qualified METRO Veteran’s Pass (MVP). Because Harvey, his own house flooded with
she was a disabled veteran, the pass gave her free, 18 inches of water, but as soon as the
unlimited rides on METRO’s light-rail, local bus, and roads were passable, he reported to
Park & Ride service. With it, she was able to get to NRG Center to help with relief efforts —
doctor’s appointments, group therapy sessions, the and worked for two consecutive weeks
grocery store, and more. “Mobility is so important without a day off. He coordinated daily
when you’re in recovery,” she says. shuttles from NRG to Wal-Mart, Target,
and the Workforce Commission.
26 CHAPTER ?: Chapter Title 27METRO HOV/HOT lanes maximize the
SERVICE utility and value of existing freeway
lanes by allowing riders and
PARK & RIDE BUSES AND vehicles to move faster and bypass
heavy traffic.
HOV/HOT LANES
METRO’s Park & Ride service provides stress- Working late or leaving early? No problem.
free commutes to and from the suburbs. Park & Ride routes now offer midday service, late
Riders park a car at one of METRO’s 27 Park & evening service and a guaranteed ride home in
Ride lots, board a 45-foot commuter bus, and case of emergency.
travel on an HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle)
express lane to downtown, the Texas Medical METRO also operates about 100 miles of the
Center and other major employment centers. At region’s HOV lanes — all but those on the Katy
the end of the workday, a Park & Ride bus carries Freeway. During off-peak hours METRO’s HOV
commuters back to their cars. lanes become “HOT” lanes — “T” for “toll” — that
allow one-passenger vehicles to use the lanes for
a small fee.
METRO provided 7.7 million An additional 25.4 million people Commuter buses eliminate 20,000
Park & Ride commuter bus used HOV/HOT lanes operated trips each day, easing traffic on
rides in 2017. by METRO in 2017. congested freeways.
28 29PARK & RIDE MAP Meet Martina and Jeff
“Riding the Park & Ride
TEXAS Kingwood
bus has made a big
N impact on my life.”
Spring Townsen
Meet Martina, one of our “My
TEXAS
Kuykendahl
Cypress METRO” video stars. Martina started
Seton Lake using Park & Ride service 10 years
Eastex
ago for various reasons, but the main
Northwest Station reason was the desire to improve her
W. Little York
N. Shepherd health by reducing stress. Using public
TEXAS
transportation relaxes her before work,
and on the way home. Martina’s Park &
Baytown Ride commute buddies include smart
Grand Parkway Addicks Maxey Road phone gamers, mobile office devotees,
Kingsland and more than a few nappers. But
Martina just likes to sit back, enjoy
Gessner letting someone else drive, and know
Westchase Hillcroft she’s saving money.
Westwood
Monroe
West Bellfort
Missouri City Fuqua South Point
El Dorado Bay Area
TEXAS
Missouri City / SH 6 “I just rolled across the
street, jumped on the
Park & Ride bus, and it
was stress-free.”
FARES FOR PARK & RIDES HOT LANES
Meet Jeff, one of the voices of our
Fares FREE Tolls “My METRO” radio spots. Jeff is a
combat veteran who lost a leg in a
motorcycle accident. He’s also a METRO
Zone 1: $2.00/one way Seniors 70+ * Tolls are based on time
rider. When he moved to Houston, his car
of day and congestion broke down the first week he was here.
Zone 2: $3.25/one way Qualified veterans* level. Rates are There was a Park & Ride nearby. So Jeff
prominently displayed just rolled across the street, boarded
Zone 3: $3.75/one way Qualified at each entrance.
the bus and he’s been riding METRO
METROLift
enrollees*
ever since. He hasn’t lost his appetite
Zone 4: $4.50/one way for speed and adventure, though. He
Children under 5 found hand cycling by way of Achilles
International and recently participated
in his third Chevron Houston Marathon.
METRO is proud to have the opportunity
For details about fare purchases, discounts, rider tools, schedules, and maps, please * With appropriate METRO fare cards
visit us online at RideMETRO.org, or in person at the METRO RideStore, 1900 Main.
to take Jeff where he wants to go.
30 31METRO
SERVICE
METRORAIL
METRORail quickly connects people to the The Red Line opened in 2004 as the Main
most-frequented destinations in the city, Street Line and today is 12.8 miles long. It carries
traveling through downtown and serving, in an average of 52,000 passengers daily to and
part, the Texas Medical Center, Museum District, from major destinations, making it one of the
University of Houston and Texas Southern nation’s most traveled lines based on boardings
University campuses, and the historic East End. per track mile.
METRORail consists of three light-rail lines: The Purple Line (6.6 miles) and the Green Line
the Red Line, Green Line (East End) and the (3.3 miles) opened in May 2015. The last mile
Purple Line (Southeast), totaling more than 22 of the Green Line was added with the opening of
miles of rail, with 18.4 million rides in 2017. Our the Harrisburg overpass, extending the line to the
fleet consists of 76 light-rail vehicles. Magnolia Park Transit Center in early 2017. The Red Line is one of the highest performing rail lines in the country.
METRORail gave 18.4 million Houston has seen more
rides in 2017. than $8 billion in new
development along the Red
Line since it opened in 2004
— with more to come.
METRORail relieves traffic congestion and parking pressures for
downtown-area events.
32 33Meet Catherine “I rely on METRORail…
without it, I wouldn’t be
FARES FOR N
METRORAIL able to pursue my passion
for ballet.”
Meet Catherine, one of the “My
METRO” video stars. Catherine
dances at a ballet academy
downtown and is a ballerina in
training. Every day, she says, “I
practice. And I practice. I amaze.
Then I do it all over again.” That’s
the kind of dedication it takes to
be a dancer. Catherine got her first
METRO fare card at age 12. She’s
been taking METRORail to ballet
class ever since. METRO is honored
to help her achieve her dream.
Arts in Transit
METRORail’s Arts in Transit program is one of the largest
public art projects undertaken in the area. It included
input from hundreds of community groups, neighborhood
residents, local businesses, and passionate art fans.
Many METRORail stations are now art installations, exhibiting
unique themes, images and inspiration taken from the
surrounding neighborhoods.
For details about fare purchases, discounts,
rider tools, schedules, and maps, please
visit us online at RideMETRO.org or in
person at the METRO RideStore, 1900 Main.
* With appropriate METRO fare cards
34 CHAPTER ?: Chapter Title 35METRO
SERVICE VANPOOLS BENEFIT
EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
METRO STAR VANPOOL Attention employers! Encouraging your
employees to share a ride will help them arrive
on time, reduce their drive-time stress, and ease
congestion on the road and in your company’s
METRO’s STAR Vanpool is a cost-effective Registered riders are eligible for a guaranteed parking lot. There are also tax benefits to you and
public transit option that serves not only Harris ride home in case of emergency. For information your employee when you share the cost of the
County, but Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, on how to start or join a vanpool, email us at ride. Launching your company’s program is free
Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller STAR@ridemetro.org, call 713-224-RIDE, or fax us and easy. Just contact us at STAR@ridemetro.org,
Counties. at 713-652-8962. and we’ll take it from there.
Riders (usually 5 to 15 per vanpool) share the Attention employees! On average, it will cost
cost of the van, fuel, maintenance, parking and you $4 to $6 per day to ride in a METRO STAR
tolls. Employers often help defray these costs. Vanpool (even less if your employer provides a
A dedicated METRO STAR team works directly transportation benefit). This estimate is based
with riders to design a route tailored to their on the number of miles from the STAR Vanpool
commute, using HOV and diamond lanes to meeting place to your work site and includes
reduce travel times, and to help commuters find van lease, liability insurance, 24/7 roadside
others interested in the program. METRO also assistance, routine maintenance and repairs,
works with employers to promote and support gasoline, parking and toll costs.
STAR routes.
STAR vanpools reduce vehicle miles
METRO facilitated 2 million traveled in the Houston region by
vanpool rides and more than 700 Only two transit agencies in the 60 million miles per year.
active vanpools in 2017. United States have more vanpool
trips than METRO’s Star Vanpool.
VANPOOLS ARE A
WIN WIN WIN
$
No wonder people like it. Passengers
can text, listen to music, sleep, or just
enjoy a bit of time to focus on the day
ahead instead of traffic. Vanpools are
easy on you, easy on your budget, and
easy on the environment.
36 37METRO All METRO vehicles
SERVICE are ADA-compliant and
also have designated
SERVING OUR ELDERLY AND seating for elderly or
disabled riders, and
DISABLED COMMUNITIES spaces for wheelchairs.
One of METRO’s most important missions is for disabled subscribers who, because of their
providing our disabled community access to disability, cannot access regular METRO bus
employment, health care, and all of our region’s routes and train stops.
assets and opportunities.
METRO local bus, rail, and commuter bus
100 percent of METRO vehicles are accessible service is free for riders over 70, METROLift
under the standards of the Americans with Freedom Q Card holders and qualified veterans.
Disabilities Act (ADA).
METRO local bus, rail, and commuter bus
Additionally, our METROLift program provides service is discounted 50 percent for disabled
curb-to-curb service in ADA-accessible vans riders who are not enrolled in METROLift, and
seniors 65–69.
METROLift gave 1.9 million
rides in 2017.
Remember, METROLift
is a shared-ride service,
so you may see a
familiar face or a good
friend when you board.
METROLift is one of the most
efficient transit programs for
the disabled in the country.
38 39METROLIFT FARES HOW TO APPLY Meet Ileana
FARES
Base Fare $1.25
Single Trip
Premium Fare $2.50
Single Trip For information on how to apply
for, and receive, your appropriate
Ticket Book $12.50
11 Single Tickets discount fare card, please visit us:
Monthly Pass $47.25
• Online: RideMETRO.org
Annual Pass $418.50
• Call: 713-635-4000
Freedom Q® FREE
Card • In Person: Come to the METRO
RideStore at 1900 Main Street,
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TRAVEL TRAINING
Meet Ileana, another real-life METRO
rider and “My METRO” participant. She is
an architectural designer and accessibility
specialist. Ileana swam for Team U.S.A. in
the 2012 London Paralympics. Since then,
her life hasn’t slowed down. Ileana rides
both METRO’s 82 Westheimer route and “I ride METRO’s 82 Westheimer
METRORail for business, time with friends,
swim practice and wherever the day takes route…and with my METROLift
her. She’s a true believer in public transit Freedom Q Card, I ride all METRO
METRO’s free Travel Training Program is intended to coach and educate participants on how to and looks forward to seeing where METRO
ride METRO’s local bus routes and the METRORail system. Individual or group training sessions is taking the Houston region next. buses and light-rail FREE.”
can be scheduled by calling 713-750-4234 or emailing metrotraveltraining@ridemetro.org. The Travel
Training class is open to people who enjoy the benefits of multiple travel options. Plus there is no age
restriction or disability requirement — anyone can attend.
40 41SAFETY &
SECURITY
SAFETY AND SECURITY IN
NORMAL TIMES AND TIMES
OF EMERGENCY
METRO is an active and important partner
in providing safety and security not only for Emergencies:
METRO’s system, but for our region. Call 911
IF YOU
METRO’s almost 200 police officers, who are
licensed by the Texas Commission on Law SEE METRO Police:
713-224-COPS
Enforcement, help ensure safety on METRO’s SOMETHING
(2677)
system. MPD officers also participate in the
Motorist Assistance Program (M.A.P.), helping
SAY
SOMETHING MPD Connect:
stranded drivers on the freeways. Live chat with
METRO also partners with the City MPD or file a
of Houston, the Texas Department of report.
Transportation, and Harris County in Houston
TranStar, the regional transportation and
emergency management center for the greater Every day METRO police officers patrol area
Houston area. TranStar is home to METRO Police streets, roadways and all METRO facilities
Communications, which include the camera including Park & Ride lots and Transit
surveillance of Park & Ride lots, police dispatch, Centers. Plainclothes officers ride buses and
and coordination with the City of Houston’s trains, and bicycle officers watch over high
SafeClear towing program. traffic areas.
And when disasters strike our region,
METRO is right there. Hurricane Harvey is
the most recent example. As rain pummeled
our region, METRO moved 15,000 people into THE MOTORIST ASSISTANCE
shelters, helped Red Cross supplies reach their PROGRAM (M.A.P.)
destinations, and provided transit for essential
services.
M.A.P. has helped more than 100,000
As the flood waters receded, METRO stranded motorists since 1989. Vehicles patrol
committed its resources to the recovery, approximately 150 miles of freeway around
moving people to temporary housing or back Houston from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and
home, transporting many students back to are equipped with gasoline, water, hand tools,
school, and resuming regular service quickly to jumper cables, and push bumpers. Dial 713-
get the region back to work and to a semblance 225-5627 (723-CALL-MAP) to report a stalled
of ordinary life. vehicle or an accident. Verizon Wireless phone
customers can also call *627 (*MAP). The M.A.P.
For those who lost cars or whose parking operator will contact the city of Houston’s
garages flooded, METRO was a new lifeline. SafeClear program if additional services are
required.
42 43HURRICANE All told, METRO moved 15,000
HARVEY people out of harm’s way, and
transported them to safety.
HIGHLIGHTS AND HEROES!
“We would have not been able
to get people to the various
METRO employees
shelters without the help of
and leadership
METRO. We certainly appreciate
worked night and
them. They have gone over and
day to keep people,
above.”
supplies, and
information flowing. Sylvester Turner,
City of Houston Mayor
When Hurricane Harvey came, METRO was
prepared. A mile-long convoy of 120 buses
was moved to high ground, ready to be
deployed after the storm.
44 45Heroes of Harvey METRO Leadership Honored After
METROLift contract driver Ramonia McCarty stayed with her elderly and disabled passenger
for 18 hours — engaging her in conversation, encouraging her to move around, and reassuring
Hurricane Harvey
her that she would not be abandoned in their stranded vehicle. Her heroism was recognized by
Mayor Sylvester Turner, who declared October 10 to be Ramonia McCarty Day! McCarty was also
honored as driver of the year by the International Association of Transportation Regulators.
“ I tried to think of her
as my grandmother
or mother, and what I
would want someone
to do for her.”
Left to right: Harris County Commissioners Steve Radack, Jack Morman, County Judge Ed Emmett; METRO
Board Chair Carrin F. Patman; METRO First Vice-Chair Jim Robinson, METRO President & CEO Thomas Lambert,
METRO Board Member Sanjay Ramabhadran, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, and R. Jack Cagle.
Group Photo Courtesy of Joe Strange of The Harris County Attorney’s Office
Harris County Commissioners Court honors METRO’s leadership for its emergency response
role during and after Hurricane Harvey.
“It was hard to tell where
a roadway began and
ended. Everyday objects
like electrical boxes and
METRO’s ability to restore normal
fire hydrants became
service in amazingly short order “During the storm,
underwater hazards. played a major role in helping
The hidden dangers also area residents start the process of METRO was outstanding.
included a swamp of recovery. It also caught the attention We couldn’t have asked
submerged cars.” of Moody’s Investor Service, which for a better partner.”
renewed METRO’s Aa2 bond rating,
citing METRO’s impressive Harvey Ed Emmett,
Despite the danger, METRO master mechanic Carlester Chatmon navigated treacherous Harvey
floodwaters in a high-water military rescue vehicle. Chatmon and his three HPD partners pressed on,
performance as evidence of “strong Harris County Judge
rescuing families all over the Houston area. operational practices.”
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