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Release Date: Dec. 6, 2023
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

Major Milestone for METRORapid University Corridor Following FTA Review

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the environmental review for the METRORapid University Corridor Project, a significant step forward in the development of METRO's transformative bus rapid transit (BRT) line. The full report can be viewed here.

The 25-mile line will connect Westchase Park & Ride and Tidwell Transit Center, providing high-capacity transit service to major employment, education, and healthcare centers along the corridor. The METRORapid University Corridor line will operate in a dedicated lane and offer faster, more reliable service, reducing travel times for commuters. The line will also feature accessible platforms, level boarding, next-bus arrival signs, security cameras, lighting, and off-board fare payment, mirroring the amenities of light rail.

The achievement is a major milestone for the region. The METRORapid University Corridor Project will not only improve mobility, but also promote economic development, enhance air quality, and create a more equitable transportation system for all.

METRO's steadfast commitment to community engagement played a pivotal role in the project's development. Over the last several years, METRO has actively collaborated with community members and stakeholders, hosting hundreds of public meetings in communities along the corridor. As the project progresses, METRO remains dedicated to fostering ongoing public input opportunities, ensuring the constructed transit system seamlessly integrates with the community's evolving needs and aspirations.

FTA's approval paves the way for the METRORapid University Corridor Project to enter its engineering phase in early 2024. This crucial step brings the project closer to its projected construction start date in 2026 and its anticipated service launch in 2029.

The METRORapid University Corridor Project is part of the voter-approved METRONext Moving Forward Plan, which calls for 500 miles of travel improvements to bolster mobility in the Houston region without a tax increase.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in the region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. 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.