Several alternative routes are still under consideration for a planned light rail route included in Houston's METRONext long-range transit plan, in progress ahead of a vote by residents in November.
Planning for the Hobby Line light rail route in Houston hasn't gone smoothly, and that's before the city's residents vote to weigh in on the larger long-range transit plan of which the route is a component.
Officials with the city of Houston are hammering out details of a proposed light rail route from Houston's East End to Hobby Airport, and finding controversy and disagreement along the way.
"In a sometimes-testy back and forth, District I Councilman Robert Gallegos and Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairwoman Carrin Patman sparred over various scenarios to route rail from the Green Line’s terminus along Harrisburg near 75th to Hobby," according to an article by Dug Begley following a public hearing on Tuesday of this week.
"The route is the most intricately-debated part of a long-range transit plan Metro is scheduled to approve next month. After that, the plan heads to the November ballot, giving Harris County voters their say on whether to allow additional borrowing for most of a $7.5 billion list of projects over the next 20 years," according to Begley.
To be clear, Councilmember Robert Gallegos is against the project, saying the route would destroy neighborhoods by requiring demolition of homes and business. Begley provides additional details of the various routing proposals for the line.
FULL STORY: Rail route to Hobby still up for debate, Washington Avenue line to wait
Opinion: Houston Should Vote Yes for MetroNext to Build Transit and Clean the Air
The executive director of Environment Texas makes the case for public transit as a key tool in improving air pollution in and around Houston. Houston voters will vote on the MetroNext bond referendum today.
$7.5 Billion Regional Transit Plan Revealed in Houston
The METRONext Moving Forward Plan was revealed at the annual meeting of the Greater Houston Partnership.
25.3-Mile BRT Route Approved for Houston’s University Corridor
The METRORapid University Corridor bus rapid transit route will become the backbone of the Houston Metro system.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)