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.
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National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service