METRO Projects and Mobility Program

METRO Projects and Mobility Program

John Sedlak, Vice President

Planning and Development, METRO Houston, Texas

METRO operates one of the best bus systems in the United States, but we are a great deal more. As we embark on the new millennium, the vision of our Board is both simple and grand - make transportation a driving force in this region. METRO will go forward with many significant transportation projects that promise to improve the way you get around the Houston region. METRO's Millennium Mobility Plan for the years 2000 to 2010 provides significant transportation benefits for the 90 percent of regional residents who drive to work every day on the freeways and streets, as well as for the 10 percent who rely on the bus and HOV lanes for their work trips. The Plan goes far beyond buses even though a first-class bus service will always be at the heart of METRO's public mission.

As we head into the new century, METRO is exploring a number of options to prepare the region for the transportation demands of a prospering community. We are exploring all avenues to reduce congestion, decrease commute times and improve air quality. This includes expanding and improving METRO's existing bus system; the implementation of proven advanced technologies for managing traffic, including computerized traffic signals; street repairs and road construction for improved general mobility; and the implementation of a light rail line running from Downtown Houston through the internationally renowned Texas Medical Center out to the Astrodome complex.

In addition, METRO has developed a long-term visionary plan for the 21st century. The vision identifies many high capacity transit corridors which could accommodate rubber tired technologies or extensions of light rail. The regional transportation benefits of METRO's plans are tremendous. Just as significant are the corresponding economic benefits that will be spurred by new housing, retail and office building development along METRO's high capacity transit corridors.

METRO Is In Motion to address the dynamic transportation needs of the Houston region today and well into the future.