METRO Connections 2009
METRO Rolls Out Another Premium, Swift Service
METRO’s new TMC SwiftLine provides patrons with a swift connection between two of the agency’s busiest transit centers.
Another reliable, fast transit option – that’s exactly what METRO is offering patrons with this week’s launch of the TMC SwiftLine.
The TMC Swiftline travels on an existing METRO route (the 26 Outer Loop / 27 Inner Loop) with limited stops during peak periods only. The rapid service runs along Holcombe and O.S.T. between the Southeast and TMC Transit Centers, and operates every 15 minutes between 6 a.m.to 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday.
The demonstration line, a precursor to Quickline service, will provide riders with a smooth, fast ride aboard METRO’s new hybrid-electric buses, for the same price as any local bus – $1.25.
According to Vince Obregon, associate vice president of capital planning at METRO, this route only has five stops compared to the 23 of the existing route it overlaps. This, coupled with the improvements made to the traffic signals in the corridor will shave about eight minutes off a trip. So, it’s flexible and fast.
“We saw an opportunity to serve a sizeable community with a high-end service, and at the same time build a market for the future TMC/Palm Quickline,” said Obregon. “This incremental approach allows METRO to deliver premium, fast service to the Southeast Houston community.”
METRO anticipates rolling out the TMC/Palm Quickline with the launch of the Southeast Corridor light-rail line. This Quickline route will run five miles and include seven stations. For now, the SwiftLine will operate on a three-mile segment of the corridor.
The speedy new service will share bus stops/shelters with the 26/27 service, but the bus, shelter and stops will be uniquely branded so patrons can easily make the distinction. The signs at the bus stops and shelters will have the SwiftLine logo next to the route number, and the buses will sport a SwiftLine logo decal.
SwiftLine patrons will be able to connect to 13 other bus routes from the TMC Transit Center, as well as METRORail. And, patrons can board any of the seven routes that operate from the Southeast Transit Center.
To get route and schedule information on the TMC SwiftLine, please click here.
