H-GAC Regional Transit Framework Study begins

Identify future transit needs

Jay Blazek Crossley, Nov 05, 09.

The Houston - Galveston Area Council has embarked on the Regional Transit Framework Study that will “identify and prioritize future transit needs for the region and will be incorporated into the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) through the year 2040.”

H-GAC Staff have prepared an introductory presentation that was shown to the City of Houston Transportation, Infrastructure & Aviation Committee on October 22. H-GAC will conduct research and develop recommendations in coordination with local transit providers with the hopes of optimizing the region’s investments in transit and creating a seamless system for users, regardless of the optimal institutional arrangements that emerge out of the process.

Objectives of the study are:

- Foster connectivity between activity centers to strengthen the base for economic development
- Integrate transit with land-use to achieve responsible growth patterns
- Enhance community mobility through a variety of modes that relate to trip purpose and length
- Create a model regional transit system

The entire study is expected to be complete in September 2010 and initial background research is expected to be made available for the public to study by early 2009.

Resources (pdf):
On the Regional Transit Framework Study:
Presentation - 10/14/09 378K
Fact sheet 176K

Other transit resources from H-GAC:
2005 Regional Public Transportation Coordination Plan
County Transit Plans

Local transit agencies:
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
Galveston - Island Transit
Brazoria and Galveston Counties - Connect Transit
Montgomery, Liberty & Chambers Counties - The District
Waller County - Colorado Valley Transit District
Fort Bend County Transit
Harris County Transit

Potential transit agency:
Gulf Coast Freight Rail District