Our Vision

METRO is an innovative organization partnering with public and private organizations to deliver effective and efficient transportation system solutions within our expanding region.

Our Mission

METRO is an innovative regional transportation organization of dedicated employees committed to partnering with public and private sectors to provide the safest, highest quality services and mobility solutions that exceed our customers’ expectation while creating economic growth.

Service Area

1,281 square miles.

Construction

METRO plays a major role in construction projects throughout the Houston region. It is in the midst of the $177 million Downtown/Midtown Transit Street Project, a five-year program of street reconstruction, infrastructure replacement and lighting, landscaping and sidewalk improvements that will transform the look of Houston’s Central Business District.

Mobility Program

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 for the coming year, 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.

Light Rail

Houston is planning for the first 7.5-mile light rail line in the Downtown-to-Astrodome corridor. This $300 million project will link Downtown employment centers to major universities, the museum district, Herman Park and the Zoo, the Texas Medical Center and Astrodome.