METRORapid University Corridor Project


METRORapid

Part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, this project aims to develop a new METRORapid line running for 25.3 miles. The line would operate in a dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic.

The University Corridor begins at the Westchase Park & Ride near the intersection of the Westpark Tollway and the Sam Houston Tollway. It ends at Tidwell Transit Center, near the intersection of Tidwell Road and U.S. Highway 59.

The proposed route alignment passes through multiple residential, business and education centers:

• Segment 1 (from Westchase to Lower Uptown)
• Segment 2 (Greenway / Upper Kirby and Montrose)
• Segment 3 (from Wheeler Station to Eastwood Transit Center)
• Segment 4 (from Eastwood Transit Center to Greater Fifth Ward)
• Segment 5 (from Greater Fifth Ward to Tidwell Transit Center)

 

Get Answers to Common Questions

Overview

What is METRORapid?

METRORapid is a transit service that combines elements of light rail and bus to deliver faster connections and a smooth, convenient ride.

It features:

  • Modern design offering 100% accessibility, with wider doorways and level boarding
  • Stations and platforms like rail
  • Dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic
  • Transit-friendly traffic signals

Why is the METRORapid University Corridor project taking place?

Deliver on voter-approved plan

The University Corridor project was a key component of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, which was approved by nearly 70% of area voters in 2019.

Increase mobility

The University Corridor is home to some of the region's busiest and most congested streets. Currently, buses in the corridor operate in mixed traffic which reduces the efficiency for METRO customers and impacts motorists as they wait for buses to load and unload passengers in a shared lane.

What are the project benefits?

The new METRORapid University Line will provide:


Frequent service to key destinations

Universally accessible service to multiple residential, business and education centers.


More reliable trips

Transit-only lanes will help reduce travel time and improve schedule reliability for riders.


More connectivity

The line would connect with:

  • Various local METRO bus routes
  • METRORail Red, Green and Purple Lines
  • METRORapid Silver Line in Uptown
  • Multiple METRO Park & Ride facilities
  • Multiple METRO transit centers

More access

  • Serve current riders
  • Accommodate expected population growth in the region
  • Improve access to jobs and economic opportunity

How can I receive project updates?

As the project progresses, updates will be added to this page including more opportunities for you to provide input, ask questions, and submit comments.

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Route / Connectivity

What communities will the line serve?

The line will offer a one-seat ride from Westchase to northeast Houston. It will serve the following communities and more:

  • Westchase
  • Gulfton
  • Sharpstown
  • Uptown
  • Greenway / Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Midtown
  • Greater Third Ward
  • Greater Eastwood
  • Second Ward
  • Greater Fifth Ward
  • Denver Harbor
  • Kashmere Gardens
  • Eastex / Jensen

What universities will the line serve?

The line will run past or nearby to:

  • Houston Community College (West Loop and Central Campuses)
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Texas Southern University
  • University of Houston (Main Campus)

Will there be a connection to the METRORapid Silver Line that runs in Uptown?

Yes. It would connect at the Westpark / Lower Uptown Transit Center. You can then transfer to the Silver Line which runs along Post Oak Blvd. through the Galleria area before ending at the Northwest Transit Center.

What other connections will the line offer?

The line would connect with:

  • Various local METRO bus routes
  • METRORail Red, Green and Purple Line
  • Kashmere Late-Night Connector
  • Multiple METRO Park & Ride facilities
  • Multiple METRO transit centers

How was the route alignment decided?

The METRONext Plan identified a general alignment within the University corridor. With input from community stakeholders, METRO continues exploring more detailed alignment options.

Upcoming Events

Join us at the public meetings listed below to learn more about the METRORapid University Project, ask the project team questions, and provide input. We look forward to meeting you!

Tuesday, July 12

Meeting #1
Meeting will be held at the Chinese Community Center.
6-8 p.m.
9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, Texas 77036

Meeting #2
Meeting will be held at the Emancipation Park Conservancy Cultural Center.
6-8 p.m.
3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, Texas 77004


Wednesday, July 13

Meeting #3
Meeting will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston - Greenway Plaza (Greenway Ballroom).
6-8 p.m.
6 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046

Meeting #4
Meeting will be held at the BakerRipley Ripley House (Gymnasium).
6-8 p.m.
4410 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011


Thursday, July 14

Meeting #5
Meeting will be held at the Wisdom High School (Auditorium).
4:30-6:30 p.m.
6529 Beverly Hill St., Houston, Texas 77057

Meeting #6
Meeting will be held at Houston Community College - Felix Fraga Academic Campus. (Facilitated in Spanish / facilitado en español.)
6-8 p.m.
301 N Drennan St., Houston, Texas 77003


Saturday, July 16

Meeting #7
Meeting will be held at the Julia C. Hester House.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
2020 Solo St., Houston, Texas 77020


Monday, July 18

Meeting #8
Meeting will be held at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center.
6-8 p.m.
3611 Ennis St., Houston, Texas 77004


Wednesday, July 20

Meeting #9
Meeting will be held at Houston Community College – Central Campus in the WW Harmon Building – Room WWH 100 (Former Learning Hub Science Building).
6-8 p.m.
1300 Holman St., Houston, Texas 77004


Thursday, July 21

Meeting #10
Meeting will be held at the Northeast Multi-Service Center.
6-8 p.m.
9720 Spaulding St., Houston, Texas 77016


Monday, July 25

Virtual Meeting #11
Meeting is virtual, and will be recorded and posted online afterward. The meeting link will be provided a few days before the meeting.
6-7 p.m.

Attend Virtual Open House Now

Opened Dec. 1, 2021 (remains open until further notice)

Learn about the METRORapid University Corridor Project. View the virtual open house here.

Take a Survey About the Project

We’d love to hear what you think about the project and what you’d like us to consider as the project continues.

It will only take about 2 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous – you won't be required to provide your name.

Take the survey here.

Provide Comments

Comments on the project are requested and can be submitted in one of two ways:

1. Through our Virtual Open House above

2. Anytime, through our Public Comments website. Just start by clicking or tapping on the “Offer a Suggestion” or “Ask a Question” button. Then, on the form page:

• Fill out your contact information
• Select “Construction/Planning Projects” from the first menu in the DETAILS section
• Then select “University METRORapid Project”
• Complete the rest of the form and submit