Controversial Bus Rapid Transit Project Arriving in Houston

A highly congested route in Houston is getting new, dedicated bus lanes. Metro looks ready to build the kind of high-quality BRT line that has been a tough sell in the United States.

1 minute read

February 19, 2018, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is moving forward with a controversial project to add Bus Rapid Transit to Post Oak Boulevard in the Uptown neighborhood.

"Metro officials next week are set to spend at least $11.2 million on buses for bus rapid transit service along Post Oak, committing the agency to spending on the controversial project after years of discussion," report Dug Begley.

The BRT project on Past Oak is expected to be ready by May 2019, about a year before the Texas Department of Transportation opens a BRT line on Loop 610.

With these two projects expected in the next few years bus rapid transit is having a moment in Houston, giving Begley plenty of nuances in design and operation choices to discuss in context of Metro's decision to buy new buses.

Thursday, February 15, 2018 in Houston Chronicle

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

The Chicago Avenue Bridge when it was open, a dark red bridge in front of downtown.

Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders

The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.

6 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

People walk to a bus in Queens

NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses

Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.

7 hours ago - Mass Transit

A rendering of the California high speed rail Fresno station. Two escalators leading into the station are visible.

California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer

The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.

November 1 - Railway News