Despite initial studies showing too hefty a price tag, Houston is now on its way to dramatically expanding its light rail transit system.
"The Metropolitan Transit Authority board voted Thursday to use light rail on all five of its next rapid transit lines as required in a 2003 referendum, avoiding the less costly, and less popular, bus rapid transit.
The board also approved a route on Richmond and Wheeler for the controversial University line, which will provide a 10-mile east-west complement to the existing 7.5-mile Main Street line.
In 2005, residents and elected officials along the planned North, East End, Southeast and Uptown routes were dismayed to learn that Metro analysis showed the cost would be too high and ridership too low to justify federal funding for rail."
Thanks to Jeff Wood
FULL STORY: Metro panel votes for light rail on all five planned lines
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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