Metro officials say the new plan for the Iner Katy Project addresses more immediate needs by replacing dedicated bus lanes with HOV lanes.
The Harris County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is backpedaling on plans to add dedicated bus lanes as part of its Inner Katy Project, opting instead for high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
As Janet Miranda explains in the Houston Chronicle, “The new project tweaks the two elevated bus-only lanes to be built adjacent to the freeway into HOV lanes as part of the agency's push for "METRONow" initiatives. The change seems to prioritize car drivers first, leaving bus riders out of the equation, at least at first.” The project still includes high-speed bus stations along the HOV lanes.
The agency defended the decision by saying “It is our responsibility to the greater Houston area to focus on mobility solutions that prioritize ridership, provide services that are useful, and address community needs that exist now.” Although voters approved a plan called METRONext in 2019 that calls for 75 miles of BRT across the city, the agency is dubbing its new plan METRONow, saying it more closely aligns with current needs.
The city has been ‘quietly shelving’ multimodal projects including the University BRT line and bike lanes on McGowen, prompting an outcry from mobility and road safety advocates.
FULL STORY: METRO's Inner Katy Line project scraps bus-only lanes for HOV lanes
Making Space for Buses
In Houston, transit officials are working to balance plans for a new bus rapid transit line with existing street trees and traffic lanes.
Madison BRT a Midwest Rarity
Despite the benefits, just three Midwestern cities have bus rapid transit lines.
Bus Lanes as Traffic Calming
Dedicated bus lanes on busy arterials can act as traffic calming mechanisms to reduce speeding.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service