Houston's METRORail will triple in size next year, going from 7 to 22 miles. METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia enthusiastically describes the new 5.3-mile North Line extension and last week's celebration to open it. Two new lines will open next year.
Interviewed on KTRK-TV, a jubilant Garcia describes the new North Line that extends the original, 7.5 mile Red Line light rail line that opened in 2004; the celebration to kick-off its opening, and the two lines to open next year.
The new line begins at the University of Houston-Downtown station, and "runs through the heart of the historic Northside" according to the website.
"The real key is to get cars off the streets so there is more capacity for everybody," Garcia explains at the end of the interview.
Garcia states that federal funds paid for half the cost of the $756 million extension
The first day, regrettably, also saw the first collision with a car that failed to yield to the new light rail train.
FULL STORY: New METRO Houston North Line light rail extension opens for business with celebration
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