Media Hot Line 713.739.4040 

Release Date: 

Sept. 28, 2017

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. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.

Innovation Test Aimed at Improving Rail Safety 

METRO is in the testing phase of a new safety tool to alert pedestrians of an oncoming train. It's called "BPAS", a Bluetooth pedestrian alert system. When the train approaches intersections, it will play a recording that warns, "Caution METRORail approaching." Newly installed speakers work with the help of Bluetooth beacon technology that is installed on the trains.  The pilot program was announced at a press conference earlier today in conjunction with National Rail Safety Awareness Week.  

"We are excited to see this innovation and look forward to evaluating it along our system. This board is committed to approving the funds to improve safety along our rail lines," said METRO Chair Carrin Patman.

Currently they are installed at the intersections of Main Street at Lamar Street as well as Fannin Street at Sunset Street.  Beacons will be installed at two more locations. The new tool is being tested as part of a partnership with Texas A & M Transportation Institute.  Click here to watch video that demonstrates the BPAS

Additionally, METRO is making significant changes to improve rail and bus safety.  Along the rail lines, crosswalks painted red increase visibility, new fencing create safety barriers and more warning signs on platforms, trains and at intersections remind pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to be alert.

METRO is also delivering safety messages right to your phone via text messaging, social media pages and on the digital displays at the front of every bus.

As the list of enhancements made just this year grows, METRO President and CEO, Tom Lambert says there is more to come.   "Safety is our top priority, and this is an all hands on deck approach. Our staff is working closely with stakeholders on several dozen initiatives. So the public should expect to see a continued roll out of improvements," said Lambert.  A new safety landing page on METRO's website will be unveiled this fall.  Additional safety tips can be found at www.ridemetro.org.