Grand Celebration Signals METRORail's Two New LInes Open for Business

Metro Transit Authority of Harris County sent this bulletin at 05/23/2015 09:07 PM CDT

Media Hot Line 713.739.4040

Release Date: Saturday, May 23, 2015

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. METRO operates more than 1,200 buses, and METRO's New Bus Network is coming soon. For a good picture of where we are headed see our new system map. METRO is currently expanding its 13-mile Red Line with two new lines under construction. Other METRO services include: Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO visit ridemetro.org where you can download our information about our T.R.I.P. app and our interactive rider tool METRO 360 [take a seat].

About BBVA Compass Stadium

BBVA Compass Stadium, managed by AEG Facilities and part of its global network of the most elite venues worldwide, is a state-of-the-art, open-air stadium designed to host Houston Dynamo matches and Texas Southern University football games as well as additional professional, collegiate and community sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, conventions and special events. Opened on May 12, 2012, the 340,000-square foot, 22,000-seat stadium is the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer located in a city’s downtown district. With its downtown location, the new stadium is a part of a true ‘Stadium District,’ which includes Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center, as well as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green, Warehouse Live and House of Blues

Free Concert and Fireworks Mark Historic Opening of METRO's Green and Purple Light-Rail Lines

Saturday May 23, 2015 thousands gathered for community pep rallies, a free concert and fireworks to mark the opening of METRO’s Green( East End) and Purple( Southeast) lines.

“Since construction started, you see the difference light-rail is making in these neighborhoods,“ said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia. "Old businesses are expanding and new businesses are emerging."

For METRO patrons like Lydia Newman who attended the Purple Line Rally at The Palm Center, the wait was worth it. “Today is an important day because it brings communities together and builds relationships."

Residents, community stakeholders, elected officials, METRO Board members and staff took part in pep rallies in the East End, Southeast Houston and the Theater District.

Celebrants then boarded light-rail trains to travel to a huge rally that connected all communities at BBVA Compass Stadium. That rally included Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band and afternoon fireworks.

The free concert at BBVA Compass stadium featured the Ernest Walker Band, Zenteno Spirit, Mario Havikoro Dancers and Herman Charles Dancers. The headliners for the concert were NE-YO and Frankie J. The evening was capped off by another huge fireworks display. In addition to the free concert for the public, METRORail rides were free all day.

Please do not reply to this message. We are unable to respond to inquiries sent to this email account. Contact the METRO Press Office at 713-739-4040.

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