University Line light rail moves forward

Next: preliminary engineering

Jay Blazek Crossley, Dec 03, 09.

The Federal Transit Authority notified METRO that the University Line light rail project has been approved for preliminary engineering if no member of Congress objects by December 10, according to GuidryNews.com. Representative Gene Green expressed his support for the project in a press release saying “It is important for Houston to keep developing a modern system of public transportation because that will reduce pollution and will also show that our city is going in a positive direction that confirms it is one of America’s leading metropolitan areas.”

METRO has gone through a long public process and is now expecting to begin service on the University Line in 2014, a delayed start from the original 2012 plan. METRO President Frank Wilson says the delay was due to the “intense local battles” over where the line should cross from Richmond to Westpark, according to the Houston Chronicle. The project - expected to cost $1.5 billion - will likely receive a 50% federal match.

Metro Solutions website on the University Line plans and public process

Houston Tomorrow research and maps on University Line alignment alternatives, business interruption mitigation, and individual proposed station maps

The Transport Politic on Houston’s light rail expansion plans