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Release Date: 
March 28, 2019

A just completed METRO ridership forecast for the Uptown Dedicated Bus Lane Project Mixed Flow option shows ridership in the year 2018 to be about 12,050 boardings per day, approximately 15 percent lower than the 14,100 boardings forecasted when the project was first developed in 2013.

A second set of projections were developed should an elevated busway be constructed for the Uptown Management District. That calculation is roughly 20% fewer riders projected for the year 2018. 

For the Elevated Busway option, the revised ridership forecast for 2035 is 30,900 boardings per day which is about 19 percent higher than the previous forecasts of 25,800 boardings per day developed in 2013. 

The assumptions reflect changes occurring between the 2013 to 2015 timeframe and are more consistent with current operating and budget principles. 

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.

Public Says METRO is Moving Forward in the Right Direction

The extensive public engagement effort to gather feedback on the METRONext Moving Forward draft regional transit plan is proving productive. Millions of people have been exposed to the METRONext initiative. From visitor booths at Rodeo Houston to neighborhood meetings and transportation fairs, METRO staff is working diligently to share the plan with as many people as possible, gather comments and engage the public.

Feedback on the draft plan, which includes more than 40 mobility projects, has been positive. Support has been voiced for investments in high-capacity transit options such as light-rail and bus rapid transit (BRT), and an expanded regional express network including two-way HOV lanes and Park & Ride enhancements.

An overwhelming percentage of respondents support investments in high-capacity transit.

Public feedback shows a great deal of comments relating to high-capacity transit, a regional express network and additional service enhancements.

METRO's Board of Directors reviewed and shared a snapshot of public input so far, during its monthly meeting today. 

"This is such an important process so we truly appreciate the feedback from all of our stakeholders, the Board and most importantly members of the public who will be using this service. I can't understate how helpful it is. If you haven't had an opportunity to tell us what you think yet, please do," said METRO Board Chair Carrin Patman.

A more detailed summary of public comments will be shared at the April Board meeting, followed by a revised draft plan in May and final public comments in June.

The final plan is expected to be adopted at the July Board meeting, However, there's still time to share your input. Learn more about METRONext here.