METRO Adds Another Station
To Quickline Route

If you live in the city of Southside Place or West University, and want to hop on the bunny line, to the Medical Center, you’re in luck. There’s now a new bus station where you can catch the 402 Quickline Bellaire.

The Stella Link station opened up late January, becoming the ninth station in the nine-mile express route.
 
The newly added Stella Link station includes public art integrated into the leaning rails, digital next-bus arrival information and improved lighting – the same amenities patrons find on the other eight custom-bus stations.

The rail-like service travels in a lane marked by bunnies and a blue stripe along the curb, and offers limited stops for a quick trip.
 
“Patrons say it gives them additional time to sleep in the morning and still get to work on time,” said Pat Porzillo, associate vice president of commuter rail at METRO. “They frequently ask for us to increase the service hours.”

METRO continues to evaluate the Quickline’s performance, as it does with all of its routes, and as ridership grows, will look into extending its service hours.
 
Currently, the route operates during peak hours, westbound from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., and eastbound from 5:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
 
And, you can’t miss the Quickline’s hybrid vehicles – they have a distinct bold blue wrap and offer a smooth ride, with cushioned seats.

The 402 Quickline Bellaire, which launched June 1, 2009, is currently averaging about 556 boardings a day. It runs along Bellaire Blvd. from Ranchester to the Texas Medical Center Transit Center. As for the price – just $1.25 like all other local routes.  
 
As promised under its METRO Solutions plan, the agency delivered the Quickline - the first of its Signature Bus Service series – and is working on other routes in areas such as TMC/Palm, Westheimer, Gessner and Tidwell.