Houston may be able to anticipate four new rail lines before 2012, if a deal two years in the making can be worked out through negotiations.
"'We're in final negotiations,' said George Smalley, a Metro spokesman. 'In a negotiation, though, you never know until it's really over.'
The pending breakthrough with Parsons Transportation Group comes three years before Metro has said all five of its additional rail lines will be complete. The fifth rail line, the University line, remains in preliminary stages of development; another agreement will have to reached on that line.
Despite the tight time frame for the new lines, Metro officials say they are sticking to the 2012 target date.
Metro's Red Line, which runs along Main Street, has been operational since 2004.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority's board has to approve the contract, which will likely appear on this week's agenda, Smalley said."
Read the full story: Metro may be nearing deal on next 4 light rail lines
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