METRO’s support of an on-demand microtransit service comes as the agency is scaling back its bigger bus projects.
A Houston City Council member is questioning Harris County METRO’s decision to invest in an on-demand microtransit service as the agency cuts funding to a proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) line, report Dominic Anthony Walsh and Colleen DeGuzman for Houston Public Media.
According to Council member Letitia Plummer, “(Microtransit) is not helping the larger footprint of mobility that the City of Houston needs, so I'm going to look at that a little closer ... Can we use the money in a different way to serve more people?”
The article notes that METRO has walked back its plans for BRT in favor of microtransit, which the agency says helps people solve the first/last mile problem and complements traditional transit. However, critics of microtransit agree with Plummer that microtransit can sap resources from already strained transit agencies and can’t cost-effectively provide services at a large scale.
Houston Could Cancel Rapid Transit Project
Metro officials say prioritizing the University Corridor project would force them to delay or cancel other service expansion initiatives.
Houston Plans for More Bus Rapid Transit
The city's transit agency hopes a more comprehensive and connected rapid transit network will encourage more Houstonians to use buses.
Houston's First Bus Rapid Transit Line Sees Low Ridership
Hindered by the pandemic and other factors, ridership numbers have been disappointingly low on the city's first BRT, but Metro officials are undeterred in their plans for future BRT lines.
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
First Model Homes Revealed in Disney-Built Community
Disney’s Cotino, in the Southern California desert, is the first of the company’s ‘Storybook Living’ developments.
Cincinnati Seeks to Repurpose Its Unused Subway Tunnel
City officials are looking for proposals to use Cincinnati's long-abandoned subway tunnels, but not for transit; they already tried that.
President Sets New Deadline for Replacing Lead Pipes
U.S. cities are charged with replacing dangerous lead pipes and improving drinking water quality within the next 13 years.
400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark
The tree’s landmark status celebrates its deep-rooted history and symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving local ecological treasures.
Arizona Native Community Launches First Solar-Over-Canal Project
Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.
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.
BluePoint Planning
Economic & Planning Systems
Village of Glen Ellyn
Washington University
World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation