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Release Date: June 4, 2026
Media Hot Line: 713-739-4040
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), alongside local leaders and community partners, officially opened the METRO Police Department’s new Partnership Tower Substation on Thursday, expanding public safety visibility and response capabilities in one of Houston’s most active downtown corridors for business, conventions, entertainment, and transit.
Located at the corner of Capitol Street and Avenida de las Americas near the George R. Brown Convention Center, the substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge. The location serves convention attendees, sports fans, downtown employees, residents, and visitors while supporting one of the city’s most active destinations for family gatherings, civic events, and public activity.
The substation borders Discovery Green and surrounding destinations that anchor Houston’s hospitality, entertainment, and business districts. As one of the city’s primary gathering spaces, the area experiences steady pedestrian use throughout the day and increased activity during conventions, special events, and peak travel periods. The site supports safe, walkable access while enhancing coordination and visibility in one of Houston’s most active public gathering spaces.
The location is also near Incarnate Word Academy, where students, families, and school-day pedestrian activity add to daily foot traffic in the corridor, underscoring the importance of safe and accessible movement through the area.
City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Interim President & CEO Tom Jasien, Council Member Joaquin Martinez, Council Member Willie Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman, Public Safety and Homeland Security Chief Larry Satterwhite, President of Greater Houston LULAC Council 4967 Dr. Sergio Lira, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders joined for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This strategic location is where METRO converges with the business and entertainment district and pedestrian activity, with access to METRORail, local bus routes, and the METRO 500 Airport Downtown Direct drop-off nearby,” said Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “METRO Police officers serve as ambassadors to help support our vision for a safer, more vibrant Houston.”
The opening is part of METRO’s broader commitment to strengthening safety across the transit network. Under the METRONow initiative and in coordination with Mayor John Whitmire, METRO is prioritizing safety through the decentralization of METRO Police operations. Strategically located substations place officers closer to areas of large volume, improving coordination between the METRO Police Department, Houston Police Department, and regional law enforcement partners while strengthening response capabilities across the region.
Mayor John Whitmire said the new substation strengthens public safety in one of Houston’s busiest destinations.
“This is another big step in the right direction, as it reinforces public safety, which is one of my highest priorities as mayor of Houston. This new substation is important because it’s located in our downtown district, where people live, work and play. It is also very close to venues where many Houston families and visitors come to attend sports games and enjoy Discovery Green, all connected by METRORail. I want everyone to feel safe and this new substation is one more factor that is making it happen.”
The Partnership Tower location is the third METRO Police substation to open under METRO’s expanded public safety strategy to address hot spots and high-volume areas, following earlier locations at Harrisburg and Wheeler. Additional substations are planned as METRO continues investing in safety and stronger partnerships that support Houston’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
METRO continues to work alongside city and regional partners to support safe mobility, strong communities, and a vibrant Houston region.
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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 Vanpool. Road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. 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. |
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