Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Release Date: Jan. 30, 2020
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

East End Community Celebrates Revamp of Magnolia Park Transit Center

From left: HCC Trustee Eva Loredo; Houston Council Member David Robinson; State Representative Christina Morales; Houston Council Member Robert Gallegos; METRO Board Member Troi Taylor; State Senator Carol Alvarado; METRO Board Member Don Elder; METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert

The East End community has a new, upgraded and more accessible transit hub following the ribbon-cutting of the revamped Magnolia Park Transit Center. The event took place this morning before transit riders, METRO Board members and staff, as well as elected officials.

METRO Board Member Troi Taylor said for the last several years the transit agency has focused on listening to the needs of communities it serves.

"One request we heard loud and clear is for METRO facilities to be even safer, cleaner and more accessible."

METRO President and CEO Tom Lambert added the transit center will have a profound impact on the livability of surrounding neighborhoods. 

"The renovation and expansion here have made the Magnolia Park Transit Center a place where you can seamlessly park, bike or walk to catch a waiting bus or train to your destination." 

The 27-year-old transit center is a major transportation hub which connects people to METRORail’s Green Line, local bus and Park & Ride routes, and community bike paths.  The enhancements include:

• two additional bus bays and a larger canopy
• new security cameras
• new 10-foot-wide sidewalks and ramps for increased accessibility
• a new central plaza, wayfinding signage, and trees for shade
• nearly two dozen additional parking spaces
• Upgraded bike facilities, additional racks, and a BCycle station are among planned future improvements.

"This is an exciting day for our community," said Houston Council Member Robert Gallegos. "I want to thank METRO for working with the city to ensure we can provide these amenities for our residents."

Lambert added, "The improvements are just the beginning. Please continue to give us your input and join us in enhancing mobility and overall quality of life for generations to come."

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.