Release Date:   Monday, June 3, 2019

Ribbon Cutting to Commemorate Launch of Houston's First Autonomous Shuttle 

The region's first autonomous shuttle begins carrying passengers this week. A ribbon cutting will commemorate the launch. METRO and Texas Southern University in conjunction with project partners will host the event.

When: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

            1-1:30 p.m. Media Preview*

            2-3 p.m. Program/ Ribbon Cutting Event

            3-4 p.m. Shuttle Rides 

Where: Texas Southern University

              Leonard H.O. Spearman Technology Building

              3100 Cleburne Ave. 

              Houston, TX 77004

Parking: Media parking available at Entrance "F" located on Ennis Street

(between West Parking Garage and Health & Physical Education Arena) 

*Editors Note: Rides will be offered to members of credentialed media during this time for photo/video opportunity.

Media Hot Line 713.739.4040 

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 transportation network, METRORail's expanded 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.

ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.