Release Date: Aug. 13, 2019
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

 Board Approves METRONext Plan 

METRO Board Chair Carrin Patman presents the METRONext Moving Forward Plan at today's special Board meeting.

The METRO Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the METRONext Moving Forward plan. Today’s action calls for a referendum to be placed on the Nov. 5, 2019 ballot for voters to consider $3.5 billion in bonding authority for METRO. The balance of the $7.5 billion plan would be funded through local dollars and federal funding grants.  There would be no new tax increases for  implementing the plan.

The METRONext plan includes 75 miles of METRORapid service (Bus Rapid Transit) includng a connection to Bush Intercontinental Airport, 16 additional miles of light rail including a connection to Hobby Airport, expanded two-way HOV/HOT lanes, 290 miles of BOOST or optimized bus service  along heavily traveled routes and signature bus service on Westheimer with limited stops. The plan also calls for investments in 21 new or improved Park & Rides and transit centers, as well as accessibility and usability improvements for seniors and the disabled.  

In all, METRONext includes about 40 transit projects.  Learn more about the plan in this video and at METRONext.org.

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.