METRORapid Gulfton Corridor Project

This project is part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, to create faster, more reliable and more frequent service. The project will:

Deliver on voter-approved plan

The Gulfton Corridor project was a key component of the plan, which was approved by nearly 70% of area voters in 2019.

Increase mobility

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

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
• Outstanding customer amenities such as station-like platforms at every stop
• Dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic
• Convenient schedule for easy trip planning

The METRORapid Gulfton Corridor project 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
• METRORapid Silver Line in Uptown / Galleria
• Multiple METRO transit centers

More access

• Expands access to transfer opportunities at the Westpark / Lower Uptown Transit Center and the Northwest Transit Center
• Accommodate expected population growth in the region
• Improve access to jobs and economic opportunities

The line will offer a continuous ride from Gulfton to northwest Houston. It will serve the following communities and more:

• Gulfton
• Sharpstown
• Uptown / Galleria

The METRORapid Gulfton Project is a separate project being developed by METRO. It will be designed to connect with the METRORapid Silver Line at the Westpark / Lower Uptown Transit Center and enable you to reach the Northwest Transit Center. Once there you can transfer to downtown Houston.

No, the route has not been determined at this time. One of the goals of public involvement is to identify and incorporate the needs and priorities of the community into the process of selecting a preferred route.

The METRONext Moving Forward Plan was approved by Houston area voters in November 2019. Planning for the METRORapid Gulfton Corridor Project began in 2022. Public meetings and input opportunities occur in early 2023, after which the preferred alignment (route) will be selected and conceptual design and environmental work will be completed. In 2024, METRO anticipates receiving federal funding and completing the final design. Construction is anticipated to last about two years.

METRO is currently in the planning phase, evaluating the features of the project. Detailed cost estimates have not yet been developed. Once an alignment (route) is determined, we will have more information.

METRO is exploring federal funding opportunities and other grant programs.

The study will look at the potential impact of this project on air quality, noise, traffic, land use, historic and cultural resources, and water quality, among many other factors. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

METRO is also exploring possible use of zero emission vehicles.

No significant property impacts are anticipated. Additional information will become available as the planning and designing phases progress. Further study will help determine the final alignment. METRO will adhere to all federal requirements in the event property needs to be acquired.

METRO knows that trees and a "Greener Gulfton" are important to the area. Our intent during the design process is to protect and preserve existing trees.